As the date of Childproof America’s Parent Empowerment Seminar draws closer, local law enforcement agencies are giving the group their cooperation, expertise, and support.

Tomorrow, August 31, representatives from four local law enforcement agencies will meet local press to answer questions and spread the word about Childproof America’s Back to School Parent Empowerment Seminar on September 8.

The briefing will discuss the dangers of domestic child sex trafficking in our area and give information about the prevention seminar. Police are putting the full weight of their support behind organizations like Childproof America to combat child sex trafficking and inform parents of the danger it poses to our community.

Parents and community members are invited a comprehensive overview of an issue recently declared a “public health crisis” by Governor Abbott. Topics include discussions about the definition of sex-trafficking, Six stages of grooming, international vs. domestic trafficking, physiochemical affects of pornography on a developing brain, and more. Guest speakers include representatives from the Homeland Security Advisory Council, Love People Not Pixels, and more. Register here.

On August 28, 2018, Katy Magazine received an anonymous letter by U.S. Mail that claims to be from a current Katy ISD teacher. The letter is an open letter to Sean Dolan, the outspoken Katy ISD critic who launched a social media campaign against Superintendent Lance Hindt, and complains vigilantly at Katy ISD board meetings. The author of the letter expresses fears of retribution by Dolan and his anti-Katy ISD supporters for stating their opinion.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

INTRO LETTER TO KATY MAGAZINE

“Hello,

I am sending the enclosed letter on behalf of many Katy ISD teacher, including myself, who are tired of the negativity being spread by Sean Dolan and his group of followers. I know that many people are following that back and forth that has been going on.

Because of the tactics that Sean Dolan and his group use, I do not feel comfortable commenting on any of his posts of posting my opinion online. Other teachers and staff members that I have talked with feel the same way.

I am sending this letter to a few different Katy news outlets. I thought it might provide some insight into the way that Katy ISD teachers are feeling. If you see fit to publish or post it, great. If not, it was therapeutic to write.

Thank you”

OPEN LETTER TO SEAN DOLAN

Dear Mr. Dolan,

First off, I would like to say that I have been an educator in Katy ISD for the past 12 years and my children attend Katy ISD schools. To be clear and upfront, I am a supporter of Dr. Hindt. I realize that for you and most of your followers the fact that I said that makes anything else I have to say irrelevant, and that you probably already marked me as just another sheep who blindly follows the district, supports bullying, supports plagiarism, and/or any of the other labels that you associate with anyone who disagrees with anything you or your followers have to say, but it is simply not true.

The fact that you and your followers do not see the irony between what you accuse others of doing and the things you are doing is completely mind-blowing.

I cannot believe some of the comments that I read from your followers during the live streaming of Katy ISD board meetings. The name calling, innuendos, and blatant disrespect is reprehensible, especially coming from a group who claims to be trying to bring awareness to bullying. I can only imagine that if the comments that are made about our board members were made about your followers’ own children, they would be on the phone with the school in a heartbeat.

Mr. Dolan, I have heard you claim that teachers are afraid to speak up because they are afraid of backlash from the district. As for me, and a steadily growing number of fellow teachers, I will tell you that the number one reason that we DON’T speak up, is you.

I know that if I were to sign my name to this letter, it would only be a matter of time before my name, salary, direct line, and other personal information would be posted on your page, with your safety net “public information” label.

You are always more than willing to meet anyone for coffee, which is all well and good when there is pure intent behind the invitation, but why in the world would I agree to that? So that our conversation can be recorded and spun into something negative? It is not my district that I am afraid of. Sadly, it’s you.

I hate that I sit here and read some of the comments on your page, KNOWING that they are false, and yet I am too afraid to stand up for something that I believe in. I am afraid to speak my mind or offer my opinion, or many times, clarifying FACTS, because I do not want the backlash from you or any of your followers. It is so sad that you have created such an unsettling atmosphere.

Are there flaws within the district? Absolutely. Are there employees who are unhappy? Absolutely. As I have said, I have worked in the district for 12 years and I also have children who attend Katy ISD schools. Have we had issues? Absolutely, but there is far more good in this district than bad. You have chosen to take the bad, publicly exploit it, and spin it so that you get to look like the hero that is going to single-handedly save the district from itself.

You have created an environment so hostile that anytime there is an issue, no matter the size, it is taken straight to social media as another mark against Katy ISD. It’s apparent, at this point, that you prefer things go wrong. It’s another feather in your election cap. I hesitate to call you an ‘ambulance chaser’ but…

The most recent issue involving transportation was, and still is, a major work in progress. My children were late to and from school every day the first week. I agree that the staggered bell times and shortage of drivers, etc. seems like it was not planned out the best way. While I was irritated and concerned that my children were home late, as a parent, I made sure not to project my agitation onto my children, because I was not going to take away from the excitement of their first day of school.

I never considered my children “missing” (they were either at school or on a bus) and would have never thought to call the police. I was actually shocked that you would suggest this. I think, in spite of planning issues, a majority of the schools, as well as the transportation offices have done a very good job keeping parents in the loop and I trust that it will get better. As of the second week of school, my children have been picked up and dropped off within 5 minutes of their scheduled times. I saw a post of yours where a mom commented about her children having to walk across a busy intersection and that there were some people that wouldn’t stop so that the children could get safely across. You made a comment about wanting to be “deputized” so that you could write those careless drivers tickets… Why didn’t you offer, with your flexible schedule and big military vehicle, to serve as a volunteer crossing guard so that those kids would be able to cross the street safely?

I’ve heard you question the district’s spending and I saw your “protest” at our teacher convocation. I’m sure that your posters were only meant to stir up emotions, because I would hope that you understand that when it comes to school budgets, money that is designated for salaries cannot be spent on school supplies, just like bond money for a stadium can’t be used to hire teachers or buy more buses.

You question the fact that teachers and staff members have the option to allot a portion of their paychecks to the Katy ISD Education Foundation, and I question why where any part of my paycheck goes is any of your business? I think it’s amazing that teachers believe so much in what their peers and co-workers are doing that they want to give back to their community. We are, in no way, shape or form, forced to or pressured to give anything. It is a choice that we make because we are proud of the work being done in our district and want to continue to enhance student learning. The Katy ISD Education Foundation is not solely backed by teacher and staff donations, but the fact that teachers and staff members CHOOSE to put a portion of their money into worthwhile projects of their fellow teachers is a GOOD thing.

Whether you want to believe it or not, in the short amount of time he has been here, Dr. Hindt has been an amazing superintendent. I only had the privilege to meet him one time, but I will tell you that many, many teachers were excited about the direction in which our district was going. It was refreshing to have a Superintendent who made himself so available and visited campuses because he wanted to be out and involved, not because it was a photo opportunity. It is truly a shame that he was not given an opportunity to accomplish the things he set out to do for our district.

I write this letter with the support of many teachers and staff members. I do not think anything I have said will change anything that you or your followers are doing. I tell my students and my children that they do need to speak up if something is wrong and I am an avid supporter of the belief that people should try to be a part of the solution, rather than adding to the problem. As teachers, and most importantly, parents, if we teach our kids to constantly look for the bad and focus on the negative, we are doing them a tremendous disservice, because that is all they will ever find. I don’t think that you are interested in seeing the good, and truthfully, changing board members and Superintendents is not the issue or the solution.

I think you and your followers will find fault with anyone that sits in those seats. the word “legacy” has been thrown around a lot lately, and looking at the list of your followers, there are some recognizable names that have a long legacy of disagreeing with most of what Katy ISD does. Our district, our school board, and our current Superintendent are actually very widely supported.

The sad part is that many of us have allowed ourselves to be bullied into silence because of you. Your initial intent may have been one thing, but the way you have gone about things is just wrong. I don’t know what you expect to accomplish by tearing down so many different parts of the district. I know that many of your requests and questions could have probably been simply handled without all the publicity but it’s evident that you thoroughly enjoy that part. Our district has so many wonderful qualities. We have devoted teachers. We have amazing students. We have outstanding programs and activities. It’s a shame that none of that seems to matter to you.

A large majority of teachers, staff, parents, community members and students support our district and those leading us, even though their jobs have been made unnecessarily difficult in the last year.

While I am very disappointed in myself for not having the courage to post or comment publicly, I will continue to support the district the best way I can. I will welcome my students eagerly, teach them, support and encourage them, love them and remind them that the most important thing they can be is kind.

It’s important to remember that if you can’t think of something kind to say, you probably aren’t thinking hard enough. “

Mailed to Katy Magazine by a reader claiming to be a Katy ISD teacher and parent who wishes to remain anonymous.

An ongoing dispute between an iconic Katy grocery store and parents of Katy Junior High students has frustrations running high. Katy Magazine reached out to both sides in hopes of finding a positive resolution.

Katy Parents Frustrated
Last week, a Katy Junior High parent Ralph Morales expressed disappointment with Brookshire Brothers Grocery Store after the store manager contacted Katy ISD and asked them to notify KJH parents to stop using their parking lot as an alternate student pick-up area, and invited Katy parents to share their frustration. The notice also stated the police might be involved to rectify the situation which left many parents upset.

The following email was issued to Katy Junior High parents on August 23, 2018.

“Dear Parents/Guardians of Car-Riders,

The district has received a phone call from our neighbor, Brookshire Brothers, and has forwarded it to me. Ms. Fry, the store manager, expressed concern not only for the safety of the students, but the impact her parking lot being used as a pick-up area has had on her business. It has had a negative impact.

I spoke with her this morning, and she has asked that I appeal to you prior to her involving her corporate office and or the Katy Police Department to rectify this challenge. Please refrain from using that area as an off-site parent pick-up area. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.”

Dr. LeBlanc”

According to Tim Tyler with the Katy Police Department, Brookshire Brothers is well within their rights to enforce parking restrictions, and reminds citizens that if they have requested that people do not park there, it could result in a criminal trespass violation. “The parking lot is legally owned by Brookshire Brothers. If they wanted a vehicle to move and called us, than we would ask them to move,” he says.

A Harsh Decision

To Morales and other Katy junior high parents, being banned by Brookshire Brothers feels extreme considering the store that has been heavily supported by the Katy Tiger community for decades. “The lot helped alleviate additional traffic on the road and allowed for a second secure pickup for the families,” says Morales Ralph Morales who has been a customer of Brookshire Brothers his entire life. “Brookshire Brothers is well within their rights. I just wish they had asked for adjustments before banning car-rider parents from their lot. It was a harsh decision that will affect many families by increasing traffic and wait times,” Morales explains. Other parents concur and feel that there is no harm in parking in an open lot so close to their child’s school, especially since they regularly purchase groceries there.

Student Safety

Several customers posted that they have seen teens pushing each other in carts through the parking lot, running in front of cars, climbing into ice machines, and openly disrespecting patrons and store management. A store employee who wishes to remain anonymous confirmed the students that hang out in the lot and inside the store after school are causing more of a problem than the parents parked and waiting, and the decision was likely more of a safety and liability concern.

“I have been in [Brookshire Brothers] several times when the kids would get out, and one time a kid knocked me down 24 weeks pregnant, and I stood up and he ran off before I could say anything,” says Kylee M., a 2009 graduate of Katy High School and Katy mom.

Another mom, Diane W., feels that both sides have valid points, but that student safety should come first. “As a parent, I believe that it is risky to pick up a kid in a parking lot. I have seen several people pull into Brookshire Brothers at a high rate of speed,” she says.

Statement from Brookshire Brothers Corporate Office

“Thank you for reaching out to Brookshire Brothers for a statement regarding the use of the store’s parking lot in Katy.

The safety of the students, the adults who pick them up, and all of our customers is paramount to us at Brookshire Brothers.

We realize the after-school pick-up practice has been in place for a number of years. The reason we reached out to the Junior High School principal recently was due to multiple incidents since the start of the school year.

The concerns are three fold:

Motorists using the parking lot as a short cut

Unaccompanied minors without supervision in the parking lot and inside the store

Customer and vendor comments regarding safety for all

When the store leadership reached out to the principal at Katy Junior High, the intent was to come up with a reasonable solution that would safeguard everyone.

It seems that we need to revisit with the Junior High leadership team on this matter and work toward a resolution. “

Trying to Reach a Compromise

Katy Magazine has offered to arrange a meeting between Brookshire Brothers and parents from both sides to find a mutually beneficial solution for everyone. Brookshire Brothers PR representative says they will be reaching out to the school to discuss options and alternatives.

One week into school and everyone is trying to adjust to new routines. With a new school year comes the need to stay informed, communicate and organize. Katy ISD gives us easy access to all of those things and sometimes it’s just at our fingertips.

While it’s all designed to make your life easier it’s important to know your app and tech options. Technology is engrained in our lives. Smart boards assist teachers of our youngest students. While parents recall their school days of heavy, book-filled backpacks, their children access textbooks through websites or Ipads. It’s part of their school experience. Now parents and students can use district run apps and technology programs to stay informed, communicate and organize their educational experience.

HAC- Home Access Center

Who: Every parent with a child in Katy ISD is given an access code and password to their Home Access Center at enrollment.

Here you can view everything about your students KISD experience from teachers, schedules, grades, attendance, and more.

“It’s a system of record and is designed to be a parent’s one stop shop for all their information needs,” explains Kerry Rampelli, Director of Enterprise Systems. This page follows you throughout your KISD journey.

HAC is also updated in real time where the app is updated nightly. This is important to know as older students (or parents) may be anxious to get test scores.

Katy OnTheGo App

Who: Everyone with access to HAC.

This application is everything from the Home Access Center (and more) at your fingertips. From news, calendars, menus, bus routes, the new Bullying Tip Line and everything you had at HAC this app is a must for your smart phone.

“The app has many pieces and can easily be added to based on our needs such as the addition of the Bullying Tip Line this year,” says Maria DiPetta, Manager, Media Relations and Multimedia.

This a great tool where teachers can post assignments, set to do lists and so much more.

When grading assignments, teachers can grade and post work but with this they can also record comments in audio and video. Teachers can also share a video of them doing a math problem so that students can easily refer to it at home and so parents can better understand the work too.

“Students like it because it gives them a to-do list,” says Darlene Rankin, Instructional Technology Director. “Students (and parents) can set push notifications for reminders based on when and how (email, text) they want to be reminded about assignments.”

This makes remembering assignments easy after long rehearsals, practice, etc. It’s never been so easy to not forget your homework!

Naviance: Career and College Planning Tools

Who: 6th grade-12th grade

Naviance is an application that evolves with it’s service based on your grade. It inventories your interests and skills and identifies where those area overlap. With this and more information, it helps students with college prep by finding a school and scholarships.

“This really helps our counselors to comb through a bunch of things and help students find what they are looking for,” said Christy Maeker, Director of Counseling Services. The program is tailored and controled by the student. Parents have access but it’s read-only.

“It really helps us to empower students to see what their future look like,” says Stacie Zimmerman, Counseling Specialist. Each campus varies in how this is introduced but junior highs cover it in social studies and in high school it is discussed in english.

Another great feature to Naviance is that graduated seniors can still have access to it and refer back to lists and interests to help them continue towards a successful future.

What about…

Now these are all the district run applications and resources. There are a lot or resources out there designed to help education communication. Some teachers or programs may use resources such as SeeSaw. Most of the fine arts programs use an application called Charms that helps students and parents stay informed on the many parts of those programs. We are now at the time of year where parents are having their curriculum nights are schools so when applications or sites are introduced, ask your questions and get ready for this academic year.

My Katy: Single Sign-on Environment

To make our lives even easier, Katy ISD gives us one place to sign on and access all of our district applications and educational resources with My Katy. So this isn’t like our social media headache where we have so many passwords to keep up with. In one login we can access all the tools we need to stay informed, communicate and organize…and with a few clicks we’re on our way to a successful academic year.

Which is your favorite application or site? Let us know in the comments.

In the Spring, Jaisal’s mother saw a post on Twitter from SI Kids inviting students to apply to be “Kid Reporters,” and he decided to go for it. “[To apply], I needed to write a 400-word essay about an athlete or sports team in the community making a difference, and then a 200-word essay about why I wanted to be an SI Kid Reporter, and then pitch two story ideas,” Jaisal says.

GETTING ACCEPTED

Kalapatu’s main essay was about the significant impact that the Houston Astros had on the community following Hurricane Harvey. About a month later, he got the news that he made it.

After being accepted, Kalapatu, a baseball and basketball player himself, specifically requested Alex Bregman as his interviewee. “I generally pitch all the stories that I want to do, and my editor (who works for SI Kids) considers them and if she agrees with the approach, she approves them and connects with the right people at the team for scheduling,” he says. To make sure nerves didn’t get the best of him, Kalapatu says he practiced giving the interview on family members so that he would be prepared.

ALEX BREGMAN, THOUGHTFUL AND THOROUGH

When Jaisal got to Minute Maid and met Alex Bregman, he was prepared with his questions for Bregman, who he says was very agreeable to talk with. “He was nice and gave thorough and thoughtful answers. He seemed to have a lot of self-confidence, but he didn’t come across as arrogant. He was a really good person to interview. I appreciated him spending time with me despite his busy schedule,” he says. Here’s a snippet of the interview with Bregman:

How has being the All-Star Game MVP changed your life? Are you recognized more out in public?

I don’t know if I’m recognized more than before in Houston, but definitely more on a national scale. When we’re out on the road, out in the community, more people know who I am.

Where on the road has it happened?
L.A., Seattle—it’s happened in most of the cities that we’ve been to since the All-Star Game.

You grew up in a baseball family. Your grandfather was the general counsel for the Washington Senators, and your father played at the University of New Mexico. Were you always drawn to the game, or did you play other sports as well?

I’ve always been drawn to baseball. Ever since I was five years old, [when] my dad would bring a baseball card home from work, I just fell in love with the game. I’d play in the cul de sac with my mom and him, and it’s been fun.

At Beckendorff, Kalapatu is involved in theatre and choir, plays basketball, baseball, and piano, and represents BDJH on the Destination Imagination team. He says if he could interview any one in history, it would be the MLB legend Jackie Robinson, the first African American to ever play professional baseball.

“I’ve always been fascinated by not only his overall game, but his humble personality and the way he never lost his cool, even when people taunted and harassed him. I think that that would be a perfect interview,” he says.

Jaisal doesn’t know what his next interview will be yet, but he’s full of ideas. Follow him on Twitter @SIKids_Jaisal to stay updated.

Last week, Katy ISD sent out an email about the additional safety and security measures that will be implemented across the district. Below is a breakdown of the updated safety measures at your child’s school.

When students return to school in Katy ISD on August 15, 2018, they will be met with reinforced and updated safety and security procedures that include software for reporting bullying, more strict identification requirements for parents and visitors, mandatory student ID’s and more.

PARENTS & VISITORS

Required for entrance to any Katy ISD campus:

– Valid, current, government-issued picture ID outside of the main entrance at all campuses.

– Utilize the new controlled access camera and intercom system to present their ID.

– Present valid ID to the front desk receptionist and be logged into the tracking system.

STUDENT ID BADGES

Secondary students must now wear their ID badges at all times during school hours, while on District property. Students in grades PK-5 will continue utilizing their badges during lunch and library times. Fourth and fifth-grade students are requested to wear their badges throughout the school day, when practical. At the secondary level, failure to follow the ID badge requirement may be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.?

STANDARD UNLOCK TIMES

Controlled access systems will unlock main entrance doors at a set time each morning.

– Elementary Group 1: 7:35 a.m.

– Elementary Group 2: 7:55 a.m.

– Junior High: 8:10 a.m.

– High School: 6: 45 a.m.

CLEAR BAG REGULATION

To ensure visitor safety, along with quick and efficient entry into our event venues, Katy ISD has instituted a Clear Bag Regulation. This will limit the size and type of bag allowed at sporting events, performances and graduations held at Rhodes and Legacy stadiums, as well as the Leonard Merrell Center (LMC), and the Katy ISD Livestock Show and Rodeo at the Agricultural Sciences Center.

While Katy ISD encourages visitors not to bring bags if possible, the following types of bags are permissible:

Clear, plastic, vinyl or PVC bags

Clear, plastic, one-gallon, re-sealable, Ziploc-style bags

Clutch bags approximately the size of a hand (4 ½” X 6 ½”)

Medically necessary items

Visitors who bring bags that do not meet the criteria outlined, will not be permitted entrance into the venue.

With Katy ISD schools starting this week a lot of parents are looking into before and after school care options, especially with the time changes to some of our schools.

The good news is that Katy offers a lot of options and most of these are not just a childcare program but offer curriculum enriched programs with various topics and homework assistance by certified teachers.

How to find the best program for your child?

All of these programs have their own unique curriculum and play structure. It’s always best to research to see to find the best fit for your child.

Safety- What is their pick-up procedures? What kind of CPR and training is required of the staff?

Ask about transportation- Most of these program provide transportation to local school. Be sure and see if your child’s school is one that they service. Do they use carseats?

Curriculum- Different programs focus on different curriculum. Do you want something STEM based? Language immersion? Play based? Homework assistance?

Take a tour- All of these programs listed below offer tours. This is the best way to get a feel for the program and ask your questions.

“I chose Tigerland because it’s great reputation, the majority of the staff have been there for years and the pricing is reasonable,” says Vicky Hegemeyer.

With so many choices in Katy, with a little research it should be easy to find the best fit for your child.

College Nannies & Tutors of Katy, a locally owned agency that provides customized childcare and tutoring, was happy to award Katy High School senior Siarah Mazariegos with their first-ever College Test Prep Scholarship.

Siarah is the oldest of four siblings and plays flute for the Katy High School Band as a section leader, serves as student council president and vice president for the National Honor Society. She hopes to attend UT Austin and major in Business, and College Nannies & Tutors of Katy has brought that dream a little closer with a scholarship that will allow Siarah to achieve the highest possible ACT/SAT scores.

The scholarship was created by Franchise owner Doina Berea and Learning Center Manager Rebecca Baker in order to give back to our local community and help a local high school student to improve on their SAT/ACT score.

College Nannies & Tutors of Katy will provide this scholarship to one outstanding high school senior in Katy ISD every year. To learn more about College Nannies & Tutors of Katy, visit www.collegetutorskatytx.com

Katy ISD is gearing up to start school August 15 and part of that prep involves planning how to address and prevent bullying.

Anonymously report bullying on your cell

We’ve seen a world-wide increase in bullying and technology is responsible for a lot of that increase so it’s only fitting that we’re using technology to help combat it.

The Bullying Tip Line is a feature part of the Katy OnTheGo app. To access it simply download the free app. If you already have the app then it will automatically update to include the feature when it launches this month.

While the focus will be getting students to use it, parents and teachers can also make use of it. All you need is a cell phone with the Katy OnTheGo app, information to submit (the more detail the better) and a few minutes of your time. “The ease and anonymity is key here,” says Maria DiPetta, manager, media relations and multimedia for KISD. “While other methods aim to be anonymous this truly is. Schools even have designated cell phone times so when a student is on their phone no one knows if they are playing a game, checking a social media account or submitting a tip on the app.”

The new Bullying Tip Line app is being introduced to principals and administrators this week and has been in development as part of the districts strategic planning process since spring 2017. It’s release is right on schedule with the district’s goals. “The initial goal for the app is for users to familiarize themselves with it and feel comfortable using it,” says Maria. INSERT QUOTE FROM PRINCIPAL- The initial feedback is that it’s very simple to use, so much so that elementary students could do it.

The app is part Katy ISD’s Bullying Prevention Campaign. The campaign includes educational videos, events and the observation of National Bullying Prevention month. The app is just another way of reporting in addition to the anonymous boxes placed in all schools. The hope is that when students have felt uncomfortable being seen putting information in a drop box they would feel comfortable using the app. “Again it being so anonymous is key. In fact the anonymous button is always turned on and all tips will go to an inbox where the administrator for the school receives them daily,” explains Maria.

Educating students how to help

Education is key to helping the app be a success and the schools will focus on this educational process this year. This app can be most effective in addressing a bullying act when given as much detail as possible. “For example,” Maria explains, “student XYZ (full name) is bullying student ABC (full name) in 2nd period, Mrs. So-and-So’s class and they posted this on Facebook (share screenshot of social media.) From there the user could say that student XYZ follows student ABC to the parking lot and then proper people will have the information to verify, prove and prevent this incident from continuing.”

The app will also better help administrators to categorize the bullying whether it’s emotional, physical, social or technological. Some tips may require police investigation while other may be simply resolved by scheduling a sit down with the students. This will allow administrators the information to make those decisions and make sure the best solution is in play for each case.

This app will only be used for reporting. It is NOT to be used to report a crisis that would still be to call 911 or the Katy Connect Crisis Line 281-234-2326.

KISD is dedicated to addressing, preventing bullying

The district plans to track, record and follow the use and trends of the tips reported. In another step to being proactive in the current culture of bullying, KISD recently hired a Coordinator for Bullying Prevention and Student Support. The position is still new and getting settled but further proof at the seriousness that the district put on the topic.

Parents need to be part of the conversation

While the district is doing their part to address and help prevent bullying parents play a key role at home and these conversations need to start their. “Parents should talk to their children about bullying to help prevent them from partaking in it and becoming a possible victim,” says Nelda Wilson Brooks, a Katy family therapist. Parents should also be aware of their children’s social media presence.

Parents can now enter their residential address to view the bus schedule for their child’s grade level and neighborhood.

On Friday, Katy ISD informed the public that the most updated bus schedules were available for families.

Parents whose children meet the qualifications for transportation can enter their students’ grade level and street name and find out the time and location for bus pick-up/drop-off. CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR CHILD’S BUS INFO.

ONE HALF-MILE RADIUS
Katy ISD will provide transportation to Katy ISD students who live outside a 1/2 mile radius from their campus. Parents with questions about schedules, routes, and bus stop locations can contact the Transportation Call Center at 281-396-6008, Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. until August 24, 2018.

BUS DRIVERS NEEDED

Katy ISD is still actively seeking bus drivers to transport students to and from their campus. The district will provide paid training, health insurance and family assistance, and on-site childcare for children ages 18 months through fifth grade. Wages start at $16.66 per hour.Find out more here.

The largest and most comprehensive renovation project in the school’s history is expected to be complete before August 15.

(Gymnasium)

A NEW HOME FOR THE RAMS

The Mayde Creek Rams will start the first day of their 2018-2019 school year in an almost unrecognizable campus. The renovations were approved in the 2014 school bond, and have a price tag of just over $51 million. According to Mayde Creek High School Principal Ronnie Edwards, they could not have come at a better time.

“Katy ISD has done an excellent job at strategically planning when a campus is in need of updates or renovations, and we were able to see the benefit of that this year,” he says. After taking a certain degree of water damage during Hurricane Harvey in August of last year, the completed changes will give fresh heart to the student body and staff.

A COMPLETE “MAYDE-OVER”

The new and improved learning areas and open spaces are literally designed to foster a positive school culture. “The design of the open spaces and flex seating in the common areas will facilitate more collaboration, and give students more opportunities to have their voices heard,” he says.

The hallways and campus infrastructure have been streamlined as well, with Mayde Creek’s back hallways being updated to connect and help students get to class faster. Additionally, a skybridge connecting the freshman center to the main campus will cut down on walking time.

The school will also integrate updated safety and security measures that are being implemented at campuses across the district. And while the ninth grade campus was not included in upgrades approved by the 2014 bond, Mayde Creek freshman will benefit from new classroom furniture, flooring, and updated paint.

A new “Genius Bar” in the school library will also be available, giving students increased opportunities for the use of technology.

(Genius Bar in the school library)

Overall, Mr. Edwards and the rest of the Mayde Creek staff are proud of the success of the project. “We have kept track and taken photos of the renovations from start to finish. It’s important for the community to get a good picture of just how much has changed and how it will benefit future Rams.”

DETAILS OF MAYDE CREEK’S MAKEOVER

Classroom Renovations to meet current program needs in original section of high school – including Science, Fine Arts, CTE, Administration, Library, Kitchen/Commons

Modify access to building – review construction of corridors to connect halls

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing upgrades/replacement

Elevator replacement

Replacement of finishes – flooring, ceiling, carpet

Renovations to Softball field to meet Title IX

Installation of Walk In Floral Cooler

Relocate Lights above Pool

Reconstruct access road around Mayde Creek complex

2017 BOND

Every school bond generally has normal upgrades and maintenance for all school campuses Additional items were approved for Mayde Creek High School on the 2017 bond.

Here’s a check-list to ensure that you’re ready for that first day of school.

Katy ISD schools start August 15 and with less than a month it’s time to enjoy these last summer days and prepare for a successful academic year. Here’s a check-list to ensure that you’re ready for that first day of school.

Registration

This year KISD will welcome around 80,000 students. A fast growing district means evolving to better organize and meet student needs. This year ALL KISD students must register in the new Power Up computer system. New students registration is still going on. Parents of new students will still need to visit their child’s campus to present certain documents like proof or residency and vaccination records. Click here for a schedule of when you can go visit your child’s campus.

On August 1 current students will get an email sent to their parent’s current email on file. This will give parents instruction on how to register and complete annual updates.

And don’t forget to check your school’s website and/or PTA social media to see when your meet the teacher night is scheduled.

Meal Plans
Families who qualify can apply year-round for free and/or reduced meals for their Katy ISD students. Click here to view the FAQ page and fill out an application.

Parents can also open a MyPaymentsPlus Meal account to pre-pay for their students’ lunches.

You can view Katy ISD’s safety and security resources here, as well as view a list of anti-bullying programs and initiatives at each campus. As an added safety measure, all Katy ISD students in all grade levels will be required to carry and wear a Student ID badge. Call your campus to find out more.

This year both Rhodes Stadium and Legacy Stadium will only be allowing clear bags into the stadium. Make sure you are in compliance as to prevent any delays in cheering for your team.

Celebrate at Back to School Events

With all the preparation for back to school don’t forget to celebrate the new year with fun and local back to school events. Cane Island is hosting a Back to School event on August 4 12pm-2pm at Cane Island. There will be a book fair, crafts, live music, snow cones and more.

Join the fun at Katy Summer Nights: Back to School Bash hosted by the Mark A. Chapman YMCA and held at No Label Brewery on August 10 6pm-10pm.

Camp West is also hosting a Back to School Bash on August 25 at Lake West at 6pm.

Did we miss a local Back to School event? Include it in the comments below.

Here is a breakdown of elementary campuses in Katy ISD by their modified start time, to help you make plans for drop-off/ pick up this year.

In order to address rapid growth in the area, increased enrollment, and challenges with bus driver recruitment, Katy ISD released a modified bell schedule for students for the 2018-2019 school year in April. As you prepare to send your kiddos back to school, make sure you know your campus bell schedule.

The Seven Lakes Spartans received international recognition and won Overall Outstanding program for their participation in the Best Buddies program.

Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They establish global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development.

In July participants from Seven Lakes High School including President Reagan Kallina and Co-Vice President Tania Swain and their buddies flew to Indiana for the 2018 International Best Buddies Conference, where they received international recognition and won Overall Outstanding Program for their school.

This is not the first year that Seven Lakes has taken home awards for their work in the Best Buddies program. In 2016 and 2017, they were awarded Outstanding High School Chapter in Texas. In 2017, the chapter was also awarded the National Pacesetter Award and was ranked in the top 15 chapters in the nation for fundraising.

All Katy ISD high school’s have Best Buddies programs. Both participants and volunteers benefit from the program, with the participants often choosing college and career paths that specialize in Special Education or a related field.

In order for a student to volunteer with the program, they must meet certain criteria along with go through an interview process. If chosen, the commitment is for one school year.

“Receiving these awards is such a testament to the truly life changing impacts of Best Buddies! It is so humbling to be recognized on such a large scale but more than anything, empowering to be able to see how big of a difference our organization can make in the lives of our peers and our community,” states Anna Celeste Fedewa, former President.

You can request information about Best Buddies at your campus by phone.

Cinco Ranch defensive star, inside linebacker David Gbenda, heads into his senior year with over 20 college offers on the table.

Elite college football programs are all clamoring to sign Cinco Ranch High School’s dynamic defensive star, and 4-star Texas recruit, David Gbenda (#33).

AN OFFENSIVE NIGHTMARE

Gbenda, who will graduate in 2019, has received offers from no less than 24 national football powerhouses like Notre Dame, Nebraska, Michigan, and Ole Miss.

The 6’0, 212-pound inside linebacker earned his keep among the top college prospects in Texas last year, with 40 independent tackles, 16 assists, 2 sacks, and a total of 8 tackles for loss throughout the season. In their match up against Seven Lakes, Gbenda stymied the Spartan offense with an incredible 10-yard sack. Even Katy’s elite running game had more trouble than usual moving the ball against #33 and the rest of the strong side defense.

Recently, Gbenda narrowed down his myriad of college offers to a Top 10. On the list are University of Texas, Notre Dame, University of Houston, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Washington, Ole Miss, Texas Christian University, and Missouri. He is expected to make his final decision in December 2018.

THROWBACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS

As anyone knows, talent can only get you so far – you have to have the work ethic and heart to make plays happen in a district as competitive as Katy. According to Cinco’s head coach Don Clayton, Gbenda has all of that and more in spades.

“His energy, leadership of the team, and his constant commitment to improve are a throwback to the good old days of football, when people played as hard as they could, for as long as they could. He is always striving to perform at his absolute best,” says Clayton.

Gbenda himself is taking all of the attention in his stride. “It’s kind of crazy to be honest. As a freshman and sophomore, I saw others in my grade being heavily recruited and I just thought, ‘I want that and to be heavily recruited by big name programs.’ It’s so unreal, and a blessing to me,” he says. David says that the coaches at Cinco have been crucial in his success. “With the competition we face, the coaching staff (at Cinco) has helped me learn the game,” he says.

The British International School of Houston students have achieved strong results in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the 2017/18 academic school year.

The British International School of Houston’s average score this year is 5.2 base points higher than the IB global average, widening the gap between ourselves and other IB schools around the world.

One student from The British International School of Houston received full marks — the maximum score of 45 points. This is an incredible achievement for this student is only 1% of students worldwide who received full marks this year on the IBDP.

Three students achieved impressive scores of 44 points.

BISH students’ average score in the IB Diploma was 35, significantly ahead of the 2017/18 global average of 29.78 points.

22% of students achieved 40 points and above. This is the level of attainment required to gain admission to the world’s elite universities, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and Stanford.

82% of students achieved a score higher than the IB global average.

“These are truly outstanding results and are a true reflection of our hardworking students, dedicated and nurturing staff, supportive parents and the strength of the IB programme at BISH”, Andrew Derry, Principal of The British International School of Houston said.

Andy Puttock, Education Director of Nord Anglia Education, said, “I am delighted by the outstanding IB diploma results achieved by our students this year. This excellent outcome is not only due to their efforts but also the incredible hard work put in by the school’s teachers throughout the year to ensure our children experience the best in learning.”

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, commonly referred to as the IBDP, is a two-year education programme for students age 16-19. The programme is a widely accepted and recognised qualification for entry into higher education and universities worldwide. To learn more about the International Baccalaureate you can visit their website here.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter was named the 2018 Breakout Star, and signed an extension with the team for $72 million last Wednesday.

Katy, Texas’ Danielle Hunter proudly represents his hometown by shining in the big leagues with a new $72 million contract extension from the Minnesota Vikings.

Hunter signed with the Vikings in 2015, and his electrifying performance resulted in a 5-year contract extension for $72 million, with a $15 million signing bonus. These contract terms place him in the Top 10 highest paid defensive players in the NFL – impressive, considering that the DE is only 23 years old. On paper, his 2017 season may not look like much, with 25.5 sacks under his belt in his three seasons – but he hasn’t been a starter. The Vikings began to set him loose on the opposing offense and saw his incredible potential.

From Maverick to Tiger and now Viking

Hunter was a football and track and field star graduate from Katy ISD’s Morton Ranch High School. After he graduated from Morton Ranch he attended LSU from 2012-2014 where he was a two-year starter and defensive end. According to the NFL Network’s Peter Schrager Hunter is pegged as a “breakout star” for 2018 because of the talent that the Vikings have along their defensive front Hunter is rarely going to see double teams. He should have the ability to terrorize opposing offenses while only having to beat one guy. The other team can’t double team everyone, so the Vikings’ defensive line should have the ability to make a play on almost every snap. In football terms this is huge.

“I was shaking with excitement,” Hunter told the Vikings’ official website. “I was like, is this real.”

Hunter is an American born in Jamaica but spent his formative years in Katy, Texas where he grew to love football. Many can’t wait to see what the season has in store for this 23 year old.

The Vikings have been praised and noted for being strategic in their deals to open a window into the championship season. Could we see a Katy native in a Super Bowl game this year? From the sounds of the stats it could come to be.

The NFL season opener is September 7. The Vikings have their first preseason game on Saturday August 11 vs. the Denver Broncos. Their first regular season game is slated for Sunday September 9 vs. the San Francisco 49ers.

With the NFL Football season quickly approaching it’s time to prep your Fantasy Football roster. Are you including Katy’s Danielle Hunter in your roster? What do you think of the Vikings’ strategy to go for a championship? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

June 20, 2018

By Jennifer Skelton

With the opening of two new Katy ISD schools in the 2019/20 school year, a modification of attendance boundaries will be necessary. Three options for elementary and junior high were presented to the board at Monday’s board meeting.

Katy ISD Elementary campus #42 located in the northwest quadrant of Katy ISD and Junior High #16 in the southwest quadrant located in the Cross Creek neighborhood will both open in the fall of 2019. Both will relieve overcrowding for many schools in the district.

At last Monday’s school board meeting, three attendance boundary modifications were presented for elementary and junior high.

In the northwest quadrant, the elementary schools with the largest chance of being impacted are Bethke, Hutsell, King and Winborn Elementary schools. In the southwest quadrant, the addition of Junior High #16 will possibly impact Beck, Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes, Tays and Woodcreek Junior High. While not all of these schools are currently overcrowded, the modification will re-align many schools to prevent future overcrowding.

Families that could be potentially impacted by proposed attendance boundary modifications will be informed of opportunities to provide input, which will include an electronic survey, email, written correspondence, and by telephone. These communications will begin June 20 and be available until November 20, 2018.

At the September school board meeting, trustees will be given the preliminary results of the survey. In December, the board will receive the final recommendations. Notification to those impacted will begin January 2019.

Katy ISD has created a page to answer questions and provide the community with the possible modifications. Click here for more information. The board was presented aPowerPoint presentation with details.

Susie Garza, Assistant Principal at West Memorial Junior High in Katy ISD, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018 in New Mexico during her return from a family vacation.

(Photo from West Memorial Junior High in November 2017)

On Thursday morning, June 14, while on the way back to Houston, the family’s car was rear-ended at a high rate of speed in New Mexico. Ms. Garza did not survive the accident. Her daughter, Andrea, who was with her at the time, was air-lifted to the hospital and is expected to survive. Garza’s other daughter, Analicia “Ana”, is by her sister’s side as she recovers.

The family had been on a road trip vacation that began June 2, 2018. Garza and her family visited national parks and other landmarks in Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Canada and California.

Words From The Family

Part of the official statement from her daughters, Ana and Andrea reads:

“Susie had such a passion for people. She loved her work in education, which she began at the age of 21. She would often tell her family that she would do whatever it took to help her students succeed. It was that kind of determination and dedication that she carried with her throughout her entire career.

She had an infectious sense of humor and positivity. Her desire to help others was the guiding force in her life. Her dedication to her students allowed her to change and impact so many lives.

She was such a loving and generous person, a trait she instilled in her children. Susie also instilled in them the desire to serve their community. She always pushed us to achieve our highest potential and encouraged us at every turn.

She was the very best mother and she is and will be remembered for her unwavering love. She loved each of her friends and family fiercely. She always saw the best in people.

It is our hope, as her children, that each of us remember her for her love and try to see the best in others, as she did.”

(Photo from the Garza vacation in Seven Falls, Colorado)

A Longtime Katy Educator

Garza began her career in Katy ISD in 1996 as an ESL teacher at Mayde Creek High School. In 1997, she was promoted to Assistant Principal and has worked at Katy High, Cardiff Junior High and West Memorial Junior High, where she currently worked at the time of her passing.

A Heartbroken Community

As word broke of her passing, tributes began pouring in on social media.

Sharice Wasson-Irons wrote, “My heart is completely broken! What a huge huge loss. Our WMJH family will miss her dearly!!!”

Samantha Decker Ridenhour wrote, “Susie was an amazing AP and an even better person. Praying for comfort for the family.”

Heather Jones wrote, “Mrs. Garza was an amazing AP, she helped my son navigate Jr. High. She genuinely cared about her students. She was an asset to Katy, and West Memorial. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.”

Katy ISD and West Memorial Junior High have truly lost a loving educator and leader.

Katy Independent School District Superintendent Lance Hindt appointed Steve Guzzetta as the new principal of McMeans Junior High (MMJH).

“I am very excited to continue the success and traditions that have been established at McMeans Junior High,” said Guzzetta. “I opened the school as a teacher and coach before becoming an administrator there so I already have a deep connection with the community and a passion for the success of the students,” added Guzzetta.

Longtime Katy Educator

Mr. Guzzetta has an extensive level of experience that includes 24 years with Katy ISD. He began his career in 1994 as a history teacher and a coach at Katy Junior High (KJH). In 1995, he moved to Katy High School (KHS) and taught geography and coached for five years. In 2000, he transferred to MMJH where he taught for two years prior to be promoted to assistant principal. Four years later he was named the curriculum principal at MMJH and he served in that capacity until 2007. At this time, he was named assistant principal at Taylor High School (THS). In 2015, he was promoted to associate principal and has remained in that position for the past three years. Mr. Guzzetta holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Education in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M.

Mr. Guzzetta joins MMJH on June 18. He will be replacing Dr. Susan Rice who will be retiring.

Congratulations are in order for nineteen local Chick-fil-A Team Members selected to receive a $2,500 Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship this fall.

Each recipient not only demonstrated professional leadership, teamwork, and positive influence on the job, but also a commitment to volunteer work in our local community for the past twelve months. In addition, a personal letter of recommendation from the Owner/Operator, Rusty Wylie, was submitted for each of the outstanding award winners.

Mr. Wylie commented, “It’s a tremendous blessing to be able to recruit so many of our communities best and brightest young people. One of the most fulfilling aspects of owning three locations is the opportunity to provide leadership training at an early age, giving our young people an edge on success that translates to any future career. I’m so proud of each and every one of them.” The award winners from Chick-fil-A Mason Road, Chick-fil-A Cinco Ranch and Chick-fil-A Katy Green are:

(Amy and her parents celebrating her last day of 4th grade on May 25, 2018)

Amy was known as a happy, loving child who would have been 10 years old on June 23. She was enjoying the summer before her final year at Stephens Elementary. On Friday, June 8, Amy passed away suddenly from a severe asthma attack.

A Loving Daughter and Sister

Amy’s parents Ivan and Yatchzel Aguilar are devastated by the loss and say Amy was a wonderful sister to her brother Ivan and sister Mia. Amy enjoyed a close bond with her entire family and enjoyed doing “girly” things were Mia and teaching her brother how to read. Amy also loved playing with her dog Luna and her favorite color was purple.

Stephens Elementary Support

Amy enjoyed going to school at Stephens Elementary so much that she wanted to go even when she was sick, according to her parents. One of her favorite teachers was Ms. Monica Melchiorre, who has been visiting with the family daily since Amy passed away. The parents say they are very grateful for her love and care of their daughter and their family. Family, friends and faith are helping the family during this very difficult time.

Children with Asthma

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 13 people have asthma, or 25 million Americans, and it is more common in children than adults. Each day 10 Americans die from asthma with adults being more likely to die from the disease than children. It is said to be the number one reason children miss school.

Services on Wednesday

Amy will be laid to rest today, Wednesday, June 13, at 3 p.m. at Klein Memorial Parklocated at 14711 Cypress North Houston, Cypress, Texas 77429.

Please Wear Purple

The burial is open to Amy’s friends and family. The parents request that everyone wear purple in honor of Amy, as this was her favorite color. “Absolutely NO BLACK!”

How to help

A GoFundMe account was set up by a family member to help the immediate family with expenses.

Check out these summer fun activities, suggested reading lists, and great special offers from the Katy ISD Elementary Curriculum and Instruction department that keep kids engaged throughout the summer.

These are just a few of the outstanding summer programs available for kids in Katy ISD.

Iris Guzman, a long time special education teacher has opened Inclusion Educational services to help children with Austism, Aspergers, Dyslexia, or others struggling with emotional or learning disability. Catering to preschool and school age children, the company offers academic tutoring, life skills and social skills coaching, parents’ rights consultations, guidance and support for special needs families, and other services and programs for special needs families.

Prior to opening IES, Guzman worked in Katy ISD, Spring ISD, and Alief ISD as a special needs teacher. Guzman has over 15 years of experience teaching special needs children and is also the mother of a special needs child. Her 25-year old daughter, Noriann, is a graduate of Houston Community College’s V.A.S.T. program. The Inclusive Educational Services office is currently located in LaCenterra Cinco Ranch, but the company is building a classroom center at a future location in the Falcon Ranch area. IES offers a free needs assessment. Visit inclusionkaty.com

SERVING ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS

Angels Life Skills Center opened in March to provide services for ages 13 to adult.

The center offers Day Habilitation, a person-centered program in which they give participants more choices over their daily activities, also, giving the opportunity to develop interpersonal and communication skills. Life skills training teaches daily activities such as how to do laundry, cooking, gardening, eating healthy, using proper hygiene, balancing finances, how to tell time, the date, and/or the seasons.

Day care, before/after school care and summer care are available Monday through Friday 6am – 6pm. Angels Life Skills is located at 20829 Kingsland Blvd Suite D. They accept volunteers from the community that want to work with special needs individuals. To find out more information, you can contact them at 281-717-4870.

These two organization join others in Katy servicing the special needs community such asWe Rock The Spectrum. Katy ISD has the highest percentage of special needs students (9.9% totaling 7,805 students in the 2017/18 year school year) in the Houston area surpassing Houston ISD, Fort Bend ISD and Cy-Fair ISD due to the exceptional education.

Out of its 67 campuses, Katy Independent School District is proud to announce that this year, 21 were named a Texas Honor Roll School by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Institute for Productivity in Education (IPE).

“What a great way to end the school year by receiving this prestigious recognition. This distinction speaks volumes of the great things happening in our schools. It takes a village to educate a child and our superstar staff and students should be proud of the work they have accomplished,” said Christine Caskey, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer.

After an extensive analysis of student data, these Katy ISD schools were clear leaders in getting students to grade level and beyond.

The 2017-18 Texas Honor Roll recognizes public elementary, middle and high schools that consistently demonstrate high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in student outcomes over time and a closing of the achievement gaps. For high schools, Texas Honor Roll recognition includes college readiness.

This year, the program recognized 729 higher performing schools across the state. These schools become an accepted example to other school districts seeking to learn and replicate the best practices employed at these campuses. The Katy ISD schools will be provided with a banner to display at their campus.

After taking hundreds of nominations over the past several weeks, we are excited to present the 2018 list of Katy’s most prominent, influential, inspirational, successful, and charitable men who are leading the way in Katy.(Consider yourselves all #1 because these are in ALPHABETICAL ORDER.)

Katy families who are struggling financially and have children in the district ages Pre-K through 12th can register to receive free school supplies for the 2018 – 2019 school year.

The first day is school is stressful for all children. For disadvantaged children and families, that stress is magnified when they have to go without essential items like binders, pencils, and backpacks.

Katy Christian Ministries is now taking registration information for Katy ISD students ages Pre-K through 12th grade to receive school supplies for the upcoming school year.

FAMILIES MUST:

– Be active clientele of Katy Christian Ministries

– Live within Katy ISD limits

– Students must be actively enrolled in a Katy ISD school

Call 281-391-9623, Monday – Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. to register and get more information.

SPECIAL INVITATION:

In addition to the Red Apple donation drive, students at Bear Creek, Sundown, Stephens, Mayde Creek, Hutsell, Rhodes, Franz, and Schmalz elementary will receive an invitation to the “Operation Backpack” event at the end of the summer.

DONATE:
For those who wish to donate to Katy families in need, CLICK HERE.

On Tuesday, May 29 the Katy ISD Board of Trustees held their monthly regular board meeting. Many changes and additions were approved. All agenda items below were approved 6-0, as George Scott was not in attendance.

2018-19 Teacher Salary Increase

School Board Trustees approved a $1,230 pay increase for all teachers, which is an average of 2%.

Non-teacher personnel will receive a 2% increase of the midpoint of the 2017-18 non-teacher pay ranges.

New Assistant Superintendent of Operations & SLHS Principal

Ted Vierling was announced as the new Assistant Superintendent of Operations. Mr. Vierling has 20 years of experience in Katy ISD. His service includes four years of teaching and two years serving as an assistant principal at Mayde Creek High School and two years as an assistant principal followed by five years as the principal at Beckendorff Junior High. For the past seven years, he has served as the principal at Seven Lakes High School.

Mr. Vierling is a graduate of Katy High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Education Leadership from the University of Houston. Mr. Vierling’s will begin his new position on July 1, 2018.

For those who have not had the pleasure of working with Mr. Vierling, his name might sound familiar as his speech entitled, “Why not? ” , at this year’s Seven Lakes High school graduation ceremony was highly praised across social media.

On Wednesday, Superintendent Lance Hindt appointed Kerri Finnesand as the new principal of Seven Lakes High School (SLHS). Ms. Finnesand has 22 years of experience in education. Her service includes five years of teaching, three years as an assistant principal, two years as an intermediate principal and 13 years as a principal at all three levels. Ms. Finnesand holds a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and a Master of Education from the University of Houston.

Finnesand will join the Spartan family on May 31.

New Position – Coordinator for Bullying Prevention & Student Support
The Board of Trustees approved a request to create 35 new positions for the 2018-19 school year including a Coordinator for Bullying Prevention & Student Support. This position will be under Ken Gregorski, Deputy Superintendent.

The district has been researching to create this position for the past few months. In looking at Katy ISD needs, HR looked at the entire nation in creating the duties and requirements. Once again, Katy ISD is innovative in this area as not many districts in the United States have this -type of person on-staff. The position open now for applications. Gregorski stated that they are casting a wide-net in order to get the best fit, including but not limited to educators, counselors, and law enforcement.

New Position – Staff Attorney

A staff attorney position was added to work under general counsel. The position will help provide better access to counsel from the campuses, especially for KISD’s special education population.

Families move to Katy ISD for their special education program. Over other area top school districts (Houston ISD, Fort Bend ISD and Cypress Fairbanks ISD), Katy has a higher percentage of special education students, 9.9% that totals 7,805 students in the 2017/18 year school year.

The entire meeting agenda, minutes and video can be found here. The next work study meeting will be on Monday, June 18, 2018 and regular school board meeting will be Monday, June 25, 2018.

State Representative Mike Schofield is currently accepting applications for the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP) for the 2018-2019 academic year.

ABOUT TASSP

TASSP is a scholarship for students entering college in the Fall of 2018, providing scholarship funding toward undergraduate education at any Texas university with an active ROTC program. The Texas Legislature created the TASSP to encourage students to become commissioned officers in any branch of the armed services of the United States or members of Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas State Guard, the United States Coast Guard, or the United States Merchant Marines. “I am honored to play a role in finding a young leader who wants to serve our country, and helping that dream become a reality” said Schofield.

ONE STUDENT CHOSEN FROM EACH STATE
Each year, each state senator and state representative may nominate one student to receive an initial conditional scholarship. Following nomination, the Higher Education Coordinating Board determines the award amount based on available funding. These annual awards may make a difference in the life of a high achieving student. Who can apply? To be eligible, applicants must enroll in a Texas public or private accredited institution of higher education, commit to four years of training through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, and plan to enter the Armed Services upon graduation.

Nominees must meet two of the following four academic criteria:

• Be on track to graduate or graduated high school with the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) or the International Baccalaureate Program (IB)

• Have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

• Achieve a college readiness score on the SAT (1070) or ACT (23)

• Be ranked in the top one-third of the prospective high school graduating class

Non-freshman students can apply for the scholarship if they:

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the institution of in which the student is enrolled;
• Continue to be a member of a ROTC program; and

• Have not earned a baccalaureate degree or a cumulative total of 150 credit hours, including transferred hours.

CONTACT

Eligible students are encouraged to contact Rep. Schofield’s office at (281) 578-8484 or at Sharon.Slover@house.texas.gov to receive an application. Applications will be accepted through June 29, 2018. More information about the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program can be found at www.hhloans.com.

Mike Schofield is the State Representative for Texas House District 132 in Katy and Cy-Fair. Mike was named “Freshman of the Year” in the Texas House for his work in the 84th legislative session.

Katy Unites began as a conversation between community members in mid-May, when people felt that an anti-Katy ISD movement created controversy and attracted negative, national media attention.” People felt it was time stop the cycle of untenable, counter-productive, and aggressive conversations. The group felt that, the use of anger and personal attacks to address bullying only increased the bullying exponentially .

“The cycle just had to stop, so we decided to try something different”, says community member and group co-organizer, Melissa Nixon.

A CLEAR VISION

In order to be successful, Nixon and other co-founders knew it was important to have a clear vision and goal for the group. Some of their goals include:

Celebrate the people and programs in Katy ISD that are making a positive difference.

Inspiring others

Create an environment that encourages creative, productive talks to address the challenges in Katy ISD.

HOW TO JOIN

There is not an “official” membership to join. Interested persons only need to follow the group on one of their social media avenues…Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and awebsite (still under development). The group has periodic face-to-face meetings to organize the direction of the group and plan for the future. Meeting information can be found on Facebook. Katy Unites states “We welcome anyone in our community who wants to help celebrate our successes to join Katy Unites.”

Katy Unites plans to be a consistent and permanent movement celebrating and sharing moments in Katy ISD and the love many community members have for the #1 district in the Houston area.

“The focus is to put more energy and power in our successes because we believe a positive focus encourages positive results,” says Nixon.

Students who are interested in researching what colleges in the area have to offer can attend a college fair at Cinco Ranch Library.

Students who would like to have more information on area colleges are invited to attend a special “College Fair – PLUS!” at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Cinco Ranch Branch Library on Monday, June 25.

Representatives from colleges and universities will be on hand to share information about their programs with current high school students and their parents or guardians. Students will have the opportunity to learn about educational opportunities available at the colleges, as well as admission requirements, financial aid, student housing, and more.

TEXAS

Stephen F. Austin State University

The Art Institute of Houston

Texas Women’s University

University of Houston – Clear Lake

University of Houston – Downtown

University of Texas – Dallas

University of Texas – Tyler

OUT – OF – STATE

Auburn Universtiy

University of Denver

University of Louisiana at Lafayatte

University of South Alabama

University of Missouri

University of Tampa

University of Tennessee

PRESENTATIONS

Finding Your College Fit, 1 – 1:40 p.m.

Admissions 101: How to Apply, 1:40 – 2:20 p.m.

Financing Your Education, 2:20 – 3:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Call 281-395-1311 for more information.

Katy ISD is proud to announce the top two students from each high school who are ranked highest academically in their respective graduating classes.

These students have worked extremely hard from the very first day of their ninth grade year until the last day of their senior year. Many of them are now moving on to prestigious colleges and universities throughout the nation. The 2017-2018 valedictorians and salutatorians are:

In order to address growth in the healthcare industry in Katy, University of Houston Katy campus plans to provide more nursing programs in the near future.

In the Katy area, the healthcare industry continues to be one of the fastest growing industry sectors with thousands of jobs added over the past several years.

Filling an Industry Need

To help meet the needs of the growing industry, the University of Houston is doing its part to ensure qualified nursing candidates are prepared to staff open positions. Dr. Kathryn Tart shared information about the UH College of Nursing programs and its strong commitment to offering nursing education in the Katy area. In the coming years, the nursing program in the Katy area is expected to grow with degree programs offered by the UH College of Nursing following the completion of the new UH-Katy campus at I-10 and Grand Parkway.

“The healthcare industry is projected to add over 5,000 jobs in our labor area and we are thrilled to see UH College of Nursing growing its nursing education programs in our area to meet industry needs.,” said Katy Area EDC President/CEO Lance LaCour.

New Members of the Katy EDC

Several new members were introduced at the meeting including Associate members Experis – Manpower Group, Liberty Mutual, Smart Financial, Martinez Nestor Marinacci, Johnson Controls and Texas Operations and Professional Services – Tops Water. May membership renewals recognized included Board of Governors members Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, British International School of Houston and CenterPoint Energy. Strategic Partners Costello, Inc., Cross Creek Ranch, Community Impact and Wood Creek, LLC. along with Associate members Beraht Envelope Systems, GEICO, Goya Foods, Integrity Bank, Kingham, Dalton, Wilson, LTD., Powers Brown Architecture, Rooms to Go and Steadfast Development Company were recognized as well.

Texas Children’s Hospital West served as the breakfast sponsor for this month’s meeting. Kara Abrameit, Director, and Matt Timmons Campus Director shared information on Texas Children’s which is a worldwide leader in pediatric healthcare. You can find more information on Texas Children’s here. For more information on Katy Area EDC, please visit katyedc.org.

Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt addresses the school shooting in Santa Fe and what the district does on an ongoing basis to protect our schools.

Dear Katy ISD Parents, Staff and Community,

Today, all of us at Katy ISD are saddened at the senseless loss of lives after the tragic events at Santa Fe High School. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Santa Fe community.

As a parent and Katy ISD superintendent, I want to reiterate to our Katy ISD community that we stand in solidarity with the community of Santa Fe ISD. We also take this opportunity to reiterate to our parents and community that Katy ISD has a robust emergency protocol. Regularly, the Katy ISD Police Department, along with officials from every campus address emergency situations and conduct the appropriate emergency preparedness drills. While classes and activities will proceed regularly, there will be an increased presence of Katy ISD police officers at our schools.

What occurred in Santa Fe is a reminder to parents and teachers of the crucial importance of maintaining an open line of communication with students. We know that the number one deterrent to any threat is an open dialogue between parents, students and staff as they have first-hand knowledge when it comes to keeping our schools safe.

Also, we understand that the students may want to talk. Please know that personnel at our campuses will be available to speak to students who may need to be supported in the wake of the recent events. Additional information concerning our district-wide safety and security resources can be found here.

Kaitlyn Sheroke, a senior at Katy Independent School District Seven Lakes High School (SLHS), has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal Scholastic Writing Award for her short story titled Sirenia.

Kaitlyn will be traveling to New York City to be recognized during the annual Carnegie Hall ceremony on June 7.

“We are over-the-moon proud of our young scholar who has been a student in Katy ISD since her elementary school days,” said SLHS English Department Chair Pam Cannon. “Kaitlyn’s writing is more than just an assignment, she pours out her heart into each and every one of her pieces. The SLHS Spartans are proud to see her work receiving the national attention it deserves,” added Cannon.

To receive this award, students must first go through regional judging in order to advance to national review. This year, Kaitlyn along with nine other Katy ISD students became regional Gold Key participants. The history of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is known for its rich notable alumni, like Sylvia Plath and Joyce Carol Oates, who have gone on to write a variety of contemporary works of literature which are read around the world.

Katy High softball and Tompkins baseball both won their matchups over the weekend and advance in their bids for a state title.

As the #1 ranked team in the Texas as well as #8 in the nation, the Katy High School softball team is headed towards another state playoff game for the second time in 4 years. After winning the match up with Ridge Point on Friday in the 6A regional quarter-finals double header, the Tigers (36-1) will face Kingwood (33-9) in the semi-finals this week.

Game one against Kingwood will be on Thursday, May 17 at 6:00 pm at Katy. Game two is at Kingwood on Friday, May 18 at 6:00 pm. If a third game is needed to break a tie, it will be held immediately following game two on Friday.

No. 7 state-ranked Tompkins (25-8) baseball team, had some ups and downs over the weekend but came out on top over Westside. This is the first time the falcons have advanced to the regional quarterfinals. They will face Cy Ranch (26-6-2), whom they fell to last year.

At last night’s meeting, the board of trustees voted unanimously to hire outside counsel to pursue litigation for defamation against the superintendent, board members and other employees of Katy ISD that have been harassed in the last few months.

The school board is going forward with a lawsuit to protect the district’s reputation. Several board members stated that the bullying accusations were debilitating for students, faculty and Hindt even affecting hiring of candidates.

An attorney for the district said it’s for that reason they feel it’s necessary to spend what they need to pay for outside counsel. Attorneys would file defamation lawsuits on behalf of the district.

Hindt Announces Retirement Amid Heckling

Dr. Lance Hindt became emotional as he announced his plans to retire as of January 1, 2019. As he announced his plans to retire, a small group of hecklers began cheering and heckling loudly. One of the hecklers yelled “Merry Christmas!”

While some heckled, there were many supporters in the room appearing dismayed and some even began crying. Hindt stated that his highest professional honor was to come back to the place he was raised and become superintendent, but he has to put his family first now.

Click to watch video

“In light of an organized and relentless and dishonest smear campaign against me, I cannot remain as superintendent of Katy ISD. My family is now my number one priority. They are innocent bystanders. This malicious campaign against me is hurting them severely and I cannot allow it any further,” Hindt said. “I love Katy. But there is a vicious ugliness in the ruthless attacks that I and others have endured. My prayer is this community, the silent majority, comes together and never allows something like this to happen again.”

“My wife and my children, they need me,” Hindt said. “In light of an organized, relentless and dishonest smear campaign against me, I cannot remain superintendent of Katy ISD while fulfilling those duties and still fulfill my sacred duty as a husband and father.”

Each board member addressed Dr. Hindt after his resignation expressing love and respect for Dr. Hindt. Many apologized that these attacks on him and his family have led him to resign but understood his decision. As each address was read in the board meeting, those who support Dr. Hindt were shocked and moved to tears. Those in the community that don’t support him, continued yelling out from the audience and heckling during the entire meeting.

Vendetta Against Hindt

The campaign against Lance Hindt was initiated by a Katy ISD dad and internet marketing professional named Sean Dolan. Dolan started a social media page called, “A Better Legacy” under the guise to stop bullying but many noticed right away it seemed more like a Lance Hindt hate page. Prior to his accusations against Lance Hindt, Dolan surreptitiously recorded meetings with Katy ISD teachers. One of the recordings that Dolan openly posted on social media involved girls in his son’s class pouring Fruit Loops cereal in Dolan’s son’s backpack. When Dolan didn’t like the outcome of his son’s “bullying” situation, many Katy ISD supporters believe that Dolan, who some has been referred to as a “media pimp” used his internet and social media marketing background to cyberbully the superintendent to quit. Dolan was in attendance at last night’s meeting

Others in Fear of Cyberbullying

The board members told the story of how people in the community (the board did not give any names) have been scared into silence. Most people in the community support the superintendent and Katy ISD but after seeing how Dr. Hindt and his supporters were relentlessly attacked, they have been scared to come forward with their support.

Supporters of Dolan feel that he is bringing things to light in the district that need to address and the group plans to make as much noise as is needed to have their concerns addressed. Many of Dolan’s social media followers don’t live in Katy ISD but heard about the bullying controversy on social media and on news stations.

One of the overall sentiments stated by the board members was “Enough is Enough” of the attacks and cyber bullying that has cast a negative light on our community. It’s time to take a stand against all forms of bullying.

In anticipation of the lawsuit, Dolan has started a gofundme page in an attempt to raise legal fees.

This week, local businesses are showing their love and appreciation for the teachers and nurses that sacrifice so much time to caring for others with free and discounted products and services. Check out where to get them in Katy.

On Tuesday, May 8, 2018, teachers can present their ID at the Mason Road, Cinco Ranch, or Katy Green locations and redeem a free sandwich from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. But that’s not all! They have a special treat for nearly everyone this week:

Katy ISD has announced the results for the 2018 school board election for position 6 and 7.

Congratulations to Dawn Champagne and Susan Gesoff for being elected to represent Katy ISD on the Board of Trustees.

About Susan Gesoff (Position 6)

Susan won the position with 3,324 votes versus 2,182 for Scott Martin.

Susan Gesoff is married to husband Glen and they have lived in Katy for 13 years. The couple has three daughters Katie 24, Carly 21, and Kelly 18, who all graduated from Seven Lakes High. Susan is a former Katy ISD teacher (2006-2012) who has also volunteered in her children’s schools and with the theatre and choir booster clubs at Beckendorff Junior High and Seven Lakes High. She also volunteers with the National Charity League. She currently works as an Engineer at BP.

About Dawn Champagne (Position 7)

Dawn Champagne won the position with 3,025 votes versus 2,629 for Don Massey.

Dawn, her husband, Brett, and three children have lived in Katy for 17 years, currently residing in Kelliwood. Their three children attend and/or graduated from Taylor High School. Dawn has volunteered in Katy ISD for over a decade at the school and district level. She also volunteers at her church, St. Peter’s UMC, and other organizations. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Houston with a Consumer Science Degree and also holds a Masters of Business Administration from University of Houston.

Third through fifth grade members of the Kindness Crew are on a mission to spread joy and friendship to every student at Bryant Elementary through easy, fun, and uplifting weekly challenges.

Once a month, students from third, fourth, and fifth grade meet with the school counselor at Bryant Elementary to talk about what is happening in the lives of Bengals, including setbacks and successes.

Each member of the Kindness Crew has input in creating weekly challenges. The entire campus competes, and students can nominate each other to be recognized for showing acts of extreme kindness.

Every Monday, the Kindness Crew greets students showing up for the day with a high-five and a “Good Morning!”

“They line the entry way to the school, getting kids motivated to start their week off right,” says Assistant Principal Lindsay O’Leary.

This month, they created motivational posters for students that will be taking the STAAR test.

“To have the Kindness Crew be models for our younger Bengals has gotten my 2nd grade class excited about completing kindness challenges. When they see those older students are motivated each week to do something kind for others, they want to follow along, which brings our whole school together,” says second grade teacher, Christi Elrod.

One of the favorite challenges so far has been the “Talk to Someone New” Challenge, where kids are encouraged to say hello to a student they have never met.

Bryant Elementary staff hopes that the Bengals’ example will inspire other Katy ISD campuses to join in. “The culture of kindness we have here at Bryant has really been in large part to the intentional importance our counselor and administrators have placed on being kind to others. There is not just a “beginning of the year push” to have students exhibit kindness, but a purposeful, sustained effort to keep kindness on the hearts and minds of our students and faculty,” says Elrod.

With over 8,000 special education students currently enrolled at Katy Independent School District, a familiar face will now be the new Director of Compliance for Special Education.

Gwen Coffey’s new role was formally announced to the public by the Katy ISD Board of Trustees during the monthly board meeting.

Coffey is currently the principal at Roberta Rylander Elementary. As part of her new endeavors, she will direct the district’s special education program to ensure the provision comprehensive services for students with disabilities. She will also work to individualize educational plans that meet the needs of all students with disabilities and ensure compliance with state, federal and local requirements.

“My belief is that our students are our most valuable resource. Increased student learning and achievement are my passion,” said Coffey. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work collaboratively with our Katy community to help increase achievement for all students.”

Ms. Coffey’s educational experience extends to several professions within school campuses. She began her career in 1997 as a teacher in Corpus Christi, Texas. Two years later she joined the Katy ISD family as a teacher at Golbow Elementary where she taught both general education and special education for six years. Her next endeavor was as a counselor at Huggins Elementary at Lamar Consolidated Independent School District. Following that, she was a middle school counselor for one year at Bammel Middle School in Spring ISD, which lead to her taking the assistant principal position at that school. However, Ms. Coffey knew that Katy ISD was her home and decided to come back as an Assistant Principal at Cimarron Elementary.

Ms. Coffey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Science in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, a Masters of Education in Counseling, and she is currently in obtaining her Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University. Coffey will begin her new endeavor in June 2018.

During a memorable gathering at the Leonard E. Merrell Center, Katy Independent School District Superintendent Lance Hindt, along with Board of Trustees, honored the “Of the Year” employees.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

May 2, 2018

Among those recognized were: District-wide Campus Teacher of the Year, District-wide Rookie Teacher of the Year, Principals of the Year, Nurse of the Year and Counselors of the Year.

District-wide Elementary Campus Teacher of the Year

Leslyn Jacks is the Music Specialist and Director of the Choir program at Katy Elementary (KE). Since joining KE her choirs have doubled in enrollment and she has directed more than 30 performances leading to a record number of her students continuing their music courses at the junior high level. This year, her and her students performed just six weeks after Hurricane Harvey spreading joy through music and demonstrating the resilience of the Katy Community. Jacks is one of Katy Magazine’s Top 100 Women of Katy in 2018.

District-wide Secondary Campus Teacher of the Year

Amanda Sandlin is a psychology teacher at Tompkins High School (OTHS). Through her lessons, Sandlin seeks to bring the content alive for her students. Her greatest goal is for them to gain skills to succeed outside the classroom. She utilizes the study of positive psychology to help her students lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Sandlin is one of Katy Magazine’s Top 100 Women of Katy in 2018.

District-wide Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year

Annie Meeks is an English Language Arts (ELA) and social studies teacher at Stephens Elementary (USE). She may have just begun her teaching career this year but she has made an impression with her tenacity and ability to build relationships. She believes that in a world full of technology and distractions, it is important to find ways to better maintain students’ focus. Meeks is one of Katy Magazine’s Top 100 Women of Katy in 2018.

District-wide Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year

Rebecca Calfee from Mayde Creek Junior High (MCJH) began her career this year as an eighth grade social studies teacher. Calfee is a product of Katy ISD and she sets her students up for success through detailed lesson planning. Her preparation and skillset set her apart from others as she gives the impression of a seasonal veteran, rather than a first-year teacher. She spends her extra time tutoring her students and makes a point of attending student activities outside of her classroom to show support.

District-wide Nurse of the Year

Kim Cromie, from Bonnie Holland Elementary (BHE), moved from California to Maryland and was involved in a Head Start program as the Health and Safety Administrator. This opportunity ignited her love of working with children and families. That is when she went into nursing school. When she and her husband moved to Katy she was given the opportunity to be the campus nurse at BHE. She knew she had finally found her calling. Besides keeping students healthy, Nurse Cromie also mentors other nurses in Katy ISD.

District-wide Elementary Counselor of the Year

Susan Coventon has spent the last 21 years in education at Katy ISD. Even though she started out as a teacher, she realized her calling was in counseling. She is currently the school counselor at Nottingham Country Elementary (NCE) where she dedicates her time to guide students in their journey toward healing and success. Coventon’s experience is widespread and includes training of trainers in crisis prevention & preparedness as well as mental health. You will find her volunteering at Bo’s Place, offering grief-counseling support for children and their families.

District-wide Junior High Counselor of the Year

Jodi Darcey has been a counselor at Katy ISD for six years and a district lead counselor for the past three. She is currently at WoodCreek Junior High where she uses her skills, coupled with the desire to help others to connect with students and staff. Through guidance, character building, individual and group counseling coupled with parent education and counselor collaboration, Darcey knows everyone can succeed.

District-wide High School Counselor of the Year

Glynn Guynes from Katy High School began his career in Katy ISD in 2007 as a counselor at Katy High School (KHS). In 2012, Guynes started serving in the roll of KHS Lead Counselor and as District Lead Counselor. That year he was also named the KHS Support Staff Member of the Year. He serves as a mentor to new counselors and coordinates the new counselor orientation.

District-wide Elementary Principal of the Year

Stephens Elementary Principal Stephanie Vaughan has demonstrated great leadership not just at her current campus but also at Sundown Elementary and Franz Elementary where she previously excelled in her passion for education. In March 2007, Vaughan opened the newly named Ursula Stephen Elementary (USE) as their principal and she has been there for the past 11 years. Her commitment to educational excellence and student achievement can be seen in the numerous recognitions the campus has received.

District-wide Secondary Principal of the Year

Mindy Dickerson currently serves as the principal of Patricia E. Paetow High School. Her passion is teaching the whole child. She believes very strongly in both adult and student learning through choice, as well as basing decisions on what is best for learners. Her career in Katy ISD began as an elementary school teacher. During her tenure as principal at Beckendorff Junior High (BDJH), the campus received the Texas and National Schools to Watch distinction for teaching the whole child and providing a great learning experience tailored to middle school students. Dickerson is one of Katy Magazine’s Top 100 Women of Katy in 2018. Read about her here.

We asked position 7 Board of Trustees candidates Dawn Champagne and Don Massey some questions to help voters learn more about these Board of Trustee candidates.

ABOUT DAWN CHAMPAGNE

Dawn, her husband, Brett, and three children have lived in Katy for 17 years, currently residing in Kelliwood. Their three children attend and/or graduated from Taylor High School. Dawn has volunteered in Katy ISD for over a decade at the school and district level. She also volunteers at her church, St. Peter’s UMC, and other organizations. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Houston with a Consumer Science Degree and also holds a Masters of Business Administration from University of Houston.

Why did you choose to run?

I feel that this is the next step for me. I am ready to be a voice for our community of students, parents and teachers. I have spent a vast amount of my time during the last 16 years as a full time volunteer with not only Katy ISD, but also with Scouts, my church, and National Charity League. I am there, nearly on a daily basis, with the people most important to the district: the children and teachers.

What qualifies you for this position?

I have a vast amount of experience working with parents, teachers and children and a broad understanding of our district because of my involvement not only with my kids’ schools but also with numerous community organizations. I would speculate that about 80% of my time is spent working with parents, teachers, administrators or children. I know these people (parents, teachers and children), and these are the people that the decisions made by the school board affect the most. I am with the people who are directly involved in the day to day occurrences at our schools. I understand what the people of our district need, because I am with them on a daily basis.

What changes and improvements do you hope to implement?

The Safety and Security of our children is #1. I don’t want our kids being scared to go to school! I want to help build a stronger relationship with the community at large. The school district is the center of the community, and therefore all community members should be heard. I want to make sure that all kids are given equal opportunity. I want to make sure that we maintain great communication between parents, teachers and staff. Good communication is key to all problem solving.

Why do you think are you a better candidate than your opponent?

I think that I am more qualified because I have lived in Katy for 17 years and have volunteered, on a continuous basis, with the schools in Katy ISD, and many other community organizations. I understand the daily struggles of teachers, parents and students. I know what it’s like to run a carnival, to decorate for 8th grade dances, to raise $60,000 for project prom, to find volunteers for every single event there could ever be at every level of schools, to work with kids in every capacity you could imagine, and much more! And, I know what it’s like working with administration of every level. I have gotten along with the principals and assistant principals at every level. I am not only experienced, I am passionate, I am knowledgeable, I have a history of leadership within the district, and I have been very active in our community at large for 16 years.

Have you volunteered in the Katy ISD school district before and if so in what capacity?

I am a Texas native. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Houston with a Consumer Science Degree and I have a Masters of Business Administration from University of Houston as well. When I am on the Katy ISD School Board, I will be an advocate for you. This is not a stepping stone for me to go on to something else later. Being on the Katy ISD school board is what I want to do. I will not just go along with the flow. I will vote and stand up for what the community wants. I am ready to listen to all parents and teachers and am willing to work on behalf of everyone in our community to grow excellence. Please visit me on my FB page at Dawn Champagne for Katy ISD Board of Trustees.

Don and his wife Carrie, married for 12 years, have three children that attend Katy ISD schools. Don has a Masters degree in Criminal Justice, and was previously a law enforcement officer before becoming General Manager at Kay Mills and now COO at Rothchild Commercial. Don Massey was named one of Katy Magazine’s 2017 People of the Year for his efforts implementing Katy Mills as an emergency station for Hurricane Harvey rescue efforts, pet rescue , and FEMA.

Why did you choose to run?

My family and I have been super blessed by Katy and Katy ISD and we love to serve our community. I have a heart to serve the community and since the position of School Board is a volunteer position, it is a perfect match for my experience and allows me to Serve the entire Community. My goal is to help Katy ISD continue to be the best School District in Houston and Texas.

What qualifies you for this position?

My unique experience as a Law Enforcement Officer and Business Leader gives me the skills needed to address the real issues facing our schools today. Safety and Security along with Financial Accountability are the highest levels of priority for our district. As a former police officer and as the GM at Katy Mills, I have the real life experiences to address today’s issues. As an Officer, I have worn the badge, I have arrested bad guys and I have saved lives. As a COO and GM, I have managed multi-million dollar budgets and built collaborative relationships with many community stake holders. I think this combination will be a great addition to the skills that are already on the School Board.

What changes and improvements do you hope to implement?

My main focus is on Safety and Security for our Students, Teachers, and Staff. I would address this by challenging the way we use CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) for our schools. Some of the items that we can explore are: 3M Safety Film, Bollards and Advanced Door Locks. The 3M film will slow down an active shooter offering our emergency responders precious time to save lives. Using bollards at entrances and raising the fences throughout the district will also slow down active shooters. All of these are items need to be implemented or explored quickly to deter an active shooter in our schools. I also would hold our administration accountable for the policies that are in place. Oversight and governance are the responsibility of the board and I will take that responsibility seriously.

Why do you think are you a better candidate than your opponent?

I have a great deal of respect for my opponent for her volunteer service, but I believe that my community relationships, business strengths, and law enforcement leadership make me the best candidate. With all of the school shootings and violence in schools, my law enforcement background and expertise is a much needed asset to helping the board implement new and innovative programs to protect our children. The world is changing and I want Katy ISD to be forward thinking and proactive. I also have a reputation for “action” and “innovation” and for successfully and quickly implementing programs that make Katy a better place. An example of this is Katy ISD’s Simon Youth Academy, which is a smaller more hands-on learning center at Katy Mills that is helping at-risk Katy teens get their diplomas and graduate. Not every child in Katy ISD learns the same way and we have to meet children where they are so we can help them succeed.

Have you volunteered in the Katy ISD school district before and if so in what capacity?

I spearheaded bringing the Simon Youth Foundation to Katy ISD to help at-risk students graduate from high school and reduce drop out rates. This was only possible by bringing multiple organizations together including Katy ISD, Katy Mills, Simon Property Group, and the Simon Youth Foundation.

I will take my position very seriously and plan to do all I can to take care of our students, teachers and staff and ensure they have the resources and support needed to help prepare our children for the future. I will also be proactive in helping to implement safety and security measures to keep our schools safe from violence; whether it’s violence from outside intruders or other students. It would be my honor to serve the Katy community as a Katy ISD Board of Trustee. Please Vote Don Massey for Position 7.

We asked position 6 Board of Trustees candidates Susan Gesoff and Scott Martin some questions to help voters learn more about these Board of Trustee candidates. We will be running a separate piece featuring the candidates for Position 7 (Dawn Champagne and Don Massey) later this week.

ABOUT SUSAN GESOFF

Susan Gesoff is married to husband Glen and they have lived in Katy for 13 years. The couple has three daughters Katie 24, Carly 21, and Kelly 18, who all graduated from Seven Lakes High. Susan is a former Katy ISD teacher (2006-2012) who has also volunteered in her children’s schools and with the theatre and choir booster clubs at Beckendorff Junior High and Seven Lakes High. She also volunteers with the National Charity League. She currently works as an Engineer at BP.

Why did you choose to run?

I am passionate about public education and children. Katy is a wonderful place to raise a family, live and retire and I want to serve the community by applying my skills and experience for the benefit of Katy ISD students. I was inspired to run this year in particular, because we became empty nesters which left me with more free time in the evenings and weekends that could be dedicated to a worthy pursuit such as this.

What qualifies you for this position?

I have over five years of ‘front line’ teaching experience in Katy ISD, so I truly understand what it is like inside the 21st century classroom for students and teachers. I have a 30 year employment history in technical industries where I have developed skills related to safety and compliance, budget management, policy development, and planning and performance. On a personal level, I have successfully raised three high-achieving children who were educated by Katy ISD.

What changes and improvements do you hope to implement?

Katy ISD is a premiere district with a stellar record of achievement, however, safety is a challenge for all districts in America, and I will encourage reasonable and effective solutions to further protect our students and staff from random acts of violence. I am focused on academics and will support continuous improvement around STEM and Career and Technical Education, as well as further differentiation for Gifted and Talented learning. Finally, I will strongly encourage the district’s efforts to address the unfair state finance system and student assessment schemes with a goal to keep more of our tax dollars here in Katy and reduce the testing burden on our students and teachers.”

Why do you think are you a better candidate than your opponent?

Respectfully, while each of us brings professional skills and knowledge, I have vastly more hands-on, practical experience in Katy ISD, having been a professional educator and having raised my children through every grade right here. I see the role of board member as one of service to the community, not a stepping stone to a future political career.

Have you volunteered in the Katy ISD school district before and if so in what capacity?

I was a member of the parent/teacher organization at Alexander Elementary, Beckendorff JH, and SLHS for many years. I volunteered with the theatre and choir booster clubs at Beckendorff and SLHS from 2005 – 2017. In addition, I volunteered for numerous school events over the many years our girls were in Katy ISD.

Scott Martin is a Texan by birth, moving to Katy in 2014. Since that time, he has jumped into the community volunteering his time as a Sunday school teacher in his neighborhood of Nottingham at St. Peter’s UMC. Scott’s wife, Samantha, grew up in Katy in the Bear Creek area attending Bear Creek Elementary and Mayde Creek Junior High and Mayde Creek High schools. The couple has 5-year old twins that will be attending Pattison Elementary in the fall. Scott graduated from University of Michigan Law School and serves as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Southern District of Texas.

Why did you choose to run?

I decided to run for the school board because I know we can do better. I am passionate about our community and focused on the future of KISD.

What qualifies you for this position?

I am a product of a Texas public school. I am also a proud parent. In my career as a public defender, I have found great satisfaction in helping others. I believe that these experiences qualify me to serve the Katy ISD community as a trustee.

What changes and improvements do you hope to implement?

My priorities include: (1) ensuring more choice, and greater transparency, in any bond election; (2) ensuring that everyone has a neighbor on the Board, through the creation of single-member trustee districts; (3) finding common-sense solutions to our bullying problem; and (4) finding a “two-way immersion” program for bilingual education that is cost-effective and can be made available at campuses across the district.

My opponent lives in an area that is already represented on the Board by two trustees, and has stated that she opposes the creation of single-member trustee districts. I support the creation of single-member trustee districts because I fully appreciate that many areas of our district are underrepresented on the Board, and that this has to change.

I am also concerned that my opponent has not publicly disagreed with anything the Board as said or done. This tells me that she is not the independent voice that the voters are looking for. I am that independent voice.

Have you volunteered in the Katy ISD school district before and if so in what capacity?

I am a children’s Sunday School teacher at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. Recently, I volunteered as a t-ball coach at the Monty Ballard YMCA

Any final comments?

I am grateful to the voters for their many thoughtful questions concerning the issues I have raised during this race. We all want what is best for our children, and for KISD. Together we can make it happen!

A technical issue, shortly after the STAAR test began on Tuesday, kicked out many students across the state including Katy ISD.

The delay in service persisted for about 20 minutes, the TEA said.

“We believe no student information was lost during this time. We are still collecting data on the issue – there were about 1,000 school systems statewide that had a least one student who experienced the disruption,” said DeEtta Culbertson, with the Texas Education Agency.

More than 1,200 school systems were testing at the time, she said.

Katy ISD released the following statement Wednesday afternoon.

Dear Katy ISD Parents/Guardians,

As you may be aware, STAAR testing began yesterday across the state of Texas including at all our Katy ISD campuses. Unfortunately, soon after the test administration began, the Educational Testing Services (ETS), which is the state’s vendor for the STAAR exams, reported that a state-wide disruption to its server had caused multiple outages to its online system. These outages impacted students taking grades 5 and 8 reading, grades 4 and 7 writing, and English I. As a result, many students were inadvertently kicked out of the testing session and/or were unable to log back into the ETS system.

In addition, some students experienced the assessment “freezing” and had to temporarily log off and log back into the system. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and ETS were immediately notified of these disruptions. Students impacted by the outages were allowed to have missed time added back to their time limit.

Katy ISD is not currently aware of any students losing their responses. However, we are working with the TEA and ETS and will be reviewing any testing trends once results are released to the district.

Thank you for your support and patience as we continue to monitor this situation which has impacted districts across the state. We will update our parents with any additional information that comes to our attention.

Preparations for the Katy ISD 2018 Teacher Fair are underway. Administrators from all Katy ISD campuses will be available to talk to educators who aspire to become part of this growing school district.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

April 8, 2018

“Some of the best teachers from across the country can be found at Katy ISD,” says Human Resources Coordinator Katye Shields. “Providing quality education to students begins with valuing the role of an educator. Our district is looking for teachers who not only inspire students in a classroom, they mold them into future legacies.”

Each year, Katy ISD enrolls close to 2,000 additional students and it’s expected to open up several schools in the coming years. No pre-registration or fee is required. Participants must show proof of certification and it is recommended that participants complete an application on the Katy ISD website in advance. Click here.

What: Katy ISD invites new interested individuals as well as current district employees to attend the 2018 Teacher Fair.

Where: Leonard E. Merrell Center

6301 South Stadium Lane

Katy, TX 77494

When: Saturday, April 21, 2018

Elementary Campuses: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Junior High & High School Campuses: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Job Fair is only open to teachers. If you would like to apply for current openings at Katy ISD, visit their website to apply now. Current openings include bus driver, food service, maintenance, Asst. Principal, Aides, and Clerical. For current openings, click here.

Wolman is the worthy recipient of the 2018 Keep Texas Beautiful Leadership Award. She serves as secretary on the board of directors for KKB, which partners with other groups in Katy to promote a clean, litter free community, educate citizens about recycling, landscaping, tree planting and maintenance, as well as waste reduction.

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This is, “A once-in-a-lifetime distinction award for a person who provides leadership in the areas of improving and enhancing the Texas environment,” according to the Keep Texas Beautiful website.

“Jamie has been instrumental in countless projects for KKB, where she has served for 23 years, she has also served on the board of directors for Keep Texas Beautiful for over 20 years. She is proactive in enhancing the quality of life for all members of the Katy community, and her heart for volunteerism goes above and beyond. Jamie embodies all that KKB and KTB stand for, ” says Jess Marshburn, tourism and marketing assistant for the City of Katy.

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Along with the rest of the volunteers and staff at KKB, she attended a special presentation to the City Council last week, which celebrated KKB’s Governor’s Community Achievement Award for Keep Texas Beautiful.

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The group took home first place in their category for communities with a population between 15,001 and 25,000 residents, and was awarded 180,000.

The Katy Independent School District was well represented during the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) 56th Annual Conference. The Communications Department took home 14 star awards for their outstanding work in communication, branding and school public relations. Katy ISD competed against 1,331 other entries from several school districts in the region and won five gold, five silver and four bronze recognitions.

“Our Communications Department does an outstanding job keeping our parents and community informed and up to date on District initiatives, activities and programs,” said Dr. Lance Hindt, superintendent of schools. “They represent the needs and voice of our school community in this day of instant communication. Their collaborative efforts with campuses, departments and administration ensures that the information most important to our community is being shared and discussed across multiple platforms,” added Hindt.

“Every day, the experience, passion and enormous creativity of our team ensures there are opportunities for our community to learn about student and staff accomplishments, as well as engage in decision-making processes impacting our students,” said Dr. Andrea Grooms, Chief Communications Officer. “These recognitions affirm our commitment to ongoing and transparent communication with Katy ISD stakeholders,” added Grooms.

The recognitions include:

Gold Star:

2017 Student Excellence Event Program

Stockdick Junior High Branding

Bryant Elementary Logo

Welcome Home Dr. Hindt Convocation Video

Katy ISD Update – January 2017

Silver Star:

2017 of the Year Program

Bethke Elementary Dedication Program

Cast Away Video Script

Heigh Ho Video Script

State of the District Prezi

Bronze Star:

Superintendent Keynote Speech at Katy Chamber of Commerce, Teacher of the Year Celebration

Jenks Dedication Program

K9 Officers Marcel and Juno Video

Superintendent’s Message – April 2017

Every day the Katy ISD Communications Department works to disseminate information to over 77,000+ students, their parents, community members and other stakeholders across the Katy community.

According to one Katy-area teen, a man approached her at a bus stop near Memorial Parkway Elementary on Thursday at around 6:40 in the morning.

The Memorial Parkway Junior High student was standing at the 21300 block of Park Brook when she said that a man in a dark-colored pick up truck rolled down his window and said, “Hey, it’s chilly outside. I have a jacket inside the truck if you want to get in.” At that point, she ran away.

No other details were provided about the man or the truck.

Katy Magazine reached out to the district communications department as well as the Katy ISD Police department for an update on Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

The new elementary will be located in the Cross Creek Ranch subdivision and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2018.

The Katy ISD School Naming Selection Committee presented their recommendation for the naming of Elementary #41 at the Board of Trustees Work Study Meeting this week.

The school is proposed to be named after retired educator Amy Campbell. This campus, located at 3701 Cross Creek Bend Lane in Fulshear, TX.

The public forum will take place today, Wednesday, March 21 at 6 p.m. in the Katy ISD Board Room, located at 6301 S. Stadium Lane. Community members are invited to participate in this forum and provide input regarding the proposed names.

After the forum, the Katy ISD School Naming Committee will reconvene to review input and provide their final recommendation to the Katy ISD Board of Trustees at their regular meeting on Monday, March 26.

The Online Psychology Degrees national website recently recognized one of the University of Houston-Victoria’s graduate special education programs as among the best in the nation.

Katy Magazine News

March 18, 2018

The UHV School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development’s Master of Education in Special Education with an applied behavior analysis concentration was ranked 17th nationally in the website’s 2018 Top 30 Master’s in Behavioral Analysis Online list. The applied behavior analysis concentration is one of three options UHV students pursuing a master’s in special education can study.

When choosing programs for the ranking, the website considered programs in applied behavior analysis, human behavior, special education and criminal justice as well as general psychology programs that offer a specialization in behavioral analysis. From there, the website considered accreditation, accessibility, job training and coursework.

The coursework for the program has been vetted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, which means students are taking courses that will prepare them for the national certification exam to become board-certified behavior analysts.

In addition, the online accessibility offers an advantage because most of the students are professionals already working in clinics or the classroom. That means many of the students already are in a position where they can get their supervision hours at their current place of employment.

University of Houston Victoria Katy campus, located at 2002 W. Grand Pkwy, offers face-to-face programs as well as many online classes for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.

Katy ISD high schools received 12 nominations in everything from Best Leading Actress to Best Orchestra. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on April 17.

Following are the Katy ISD schools that received nominations:

Best Leading Actress nominee:
Caylie Howard from Obra D. Tompkins High School as Fiona from Shrek The Musical

Best Supporting Actor nominee:
Ryan Kearton from Obra D. Tompkins High School as Donkey from Shrek The Musical

Best Supporting Actress nominee :
Glendaliris Torres-Greaux from Mayde Creek High School as Daniela from In The Heights

Best Featured Performer nominee:
Nick Januhowski from Obra D. Tompkins High School as Pinocchio from Shrek The Musical

Best Orchestra nominees:
Cinco Ranch High School for The Music Man

Obra D. Tompkins High School for Shrek The Musical

Best Scenic Design nominee:
Mayde Creek High School for In The Heights

Best Costume Design nominee:
Cinco Ranch High School for The Music Man

Best Lighting Design nominee:
Mayde Creek High School for In The Heights

Best Musical Direction nominees:

Mayde Creek High School for In The Heights
Obra D. Tompkins High School for Shrek The Musical

James E. Taylor High School’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the only Katy ISD participant in the awards that did not receive any nominations. The awards are limited 45 high Houston Area high schools not all Katy ISD high schools participate.

The Tommy Tune Awards Program celebrates the educational value, artistry, and community of high school musical theatre in the Greater Houston area.

Judges are an approved panel of qualified performing arts professionals that is assembled to adjudicate the 45 high schools participating in the TTA. They have extensive backgrounds in professional theatre and performance in the capacity of directing, choreography, acting, musical directing, design, dramaturgy, arts administration, technical theatre, arts education, theatre production, etc.

For more information on the nominees end up coming awards presentation, visit www.tuts.com.

Applications are now being accepted for The Arc of Katy’s 2018 Summer Day Program that will provide a fun, memorable summer for individuals age 16 and above with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Katy Magazine News

March 6, 2018

The Arc of Katy, a non-profit organization that provides programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 16 and above, offers three summer sessions, each with excursions, crafts, life skills, games… and much more. The cost is only $35 per day and each participant receives an Arc t-shirt. Visit The Arc of Katy website at thearcofkaty.org for more information and registration.

Day Programs
The Arc of Katy, located at 5819 Tenth Street, Suite C in the downtown Katy area offers a Day Program from September through May for individuals transitioning out of high school and a Summer Day Program for those 16 and above. The Arc of Katy Day Programs stand out for its highly trained, experienced staff, the majority having transitioned from public school settings with experience in providing services to students with disabilities. All participants of the Day Programs must be members of The Arc of Katy which also includes opportunities to participate in monthly socials. One of the goals of The Arc of Katy is to provide opportunities for its participants to be socially engaged with their peers and members of the community. The Arc of Katy participants not only enjoy life but are part of life as well.

Summer Fun
Participants in The Arc of Katy Day and Summer Programs have the opportunity to participate in the Be Strong Swim and Exercise Program. The program began with the desire from parents and staff to keep participants “moving” and as active as possible. For those who do not get a great amount of physical activity at home or have problems with muscle strength, participating in the Be Strong Swim and Exercise Program can help keep their weight in check and improve balance and muscle strength.

Water Aerobics or Water Therapy is available as well as use of exercise equipment such as stationary bikes, treadmills, weights and various muscle strengthening equipment. Participants in the Be Strong Program are always accompanied by staff when using the exercise equipment or participating in the swim program.

Visit The Arc of Katy website at thearcofkaty.org or call 832-754-9802 for program information.

Katy ISD announces Jaime Shipley as the new principal for Elementary School #41, which is set to open in Fall 2018 in the Cross Creek Ranch subdivision.

Ms. Shipley has 19 years experience in education including nine years as a building principal. Her administrative experience began as an instructional facilitator at Carrollton-Farmers Branch in 2006. Shipley became an elementary assistant principal at Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) in 2008. The following year, she was promoted to building principal in GCCISD and remained there for four years. In 2013, Shipley became the principal of Schmalz Elementary in Katy ISD and has led the campus for the past five years.

She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary and Early Childhood as well as her Master of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Baylor University.
“I am excited about leading the way for a new school and a new legacy. We, as a staff and community, will build the foundation together so students have unparalleled learning experiences,” says Principal Shipley.

Since its inception in 2002, this initiative has raised almost $193,000, helping nearly 4,100 families have a happier holiday.

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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

December 18, 2017

Grocery Gift Cards for Katy Students

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Katy ISD’s Partners in Education is delighted to announce that Food for Families raised $35,000 during its recent campaign. Supported by both the community and Katy ISD employees, this initiative provides grocery gift cards to students and families in need during the holiday season. Food for Families is an annual campaign that provides grocery gift cards to Katy ISD students and their families. This year, Food for Families also supported families who were impacted by Harvey.

Blessing Families Since 2002

Katy ISD campuses identify students in need of assistance, and gift cards are given to those students before winter break. Last year, Food for Families blessed 433 families.

Food for Families, a Katy ISD Partners in Education yearly initiative, unites our Katy ISD staff and community in holiday support for select students and their families. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at ww

The Katy Tigers gave us the details on what Katy coaches talked about with Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M’s new head coach on Tuesday afternoon.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX

December 6, 2017

By Ashley Lancaster

Aggies in Tiger Land

According to Jon Joseph, new head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies, Jimbo Fisher (formerly Florida State University), stopped by the Tigers’ field house with two staff members at 2:30 p.m.

“They came to say hello to see committed player Seth Small and were able to meet and watch Deondrick Glass,” says Joseph. Glass, now a junior, was offered by Florida State during his freshman year.

Giving Kudos to the Katy Program
While there, the Aggies staff also met all the Katy coaches, but Coach Fisher has visited Katy High in the past. “He says not much has changed, and he commented on how well the Katy program is run and how successful it is, and the plan is to get the Aggies to the championship every year like Katy,” says Joseph.

Talking X’s and O’s

There was a brief meeting between Gary and Jimbo, and a 30-minute conversation with coaches Fisher (A&M), Banks, Price, and Joseph (KHS),” he says. The Tigers say Fisher was incredibly nice and the visit went well. After the meetings, they all went out and watched the Tigers practice for their upcoming playoff matchup against the North Shore Mustangs this Saturday at 2 p.m. at NRG.

Fisher and staff ended the day meeting teachers, people, and coaches at KHS, “He told the coaching staff to come up to A&M to visit, watch practice and talk X’s and O’s whenever they want.”

The Memorial Parkway Elementary (MPE) Choir officially kicked off the dedication ceremony of their new SPARK Park, which is now available for public use during non-school hours and on weekends.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, Texas

December 4, 2017

Collaboration between the district, city, parents, and staffThis park is a collaborative effort between Katy ISD, MPE parents, students, staff, the PTA, as well as local entities, who together contributed to the SPARK grant in the amount of $129,331. The park includes a concrete trail, sensory play panels, modular playground equipment, an amphitheater and other amenities. When visitors walk through the main entrance of the park, they will notice the school mascot, a panther, as well as 26 new trees from Trees for Houston.

“Our area was considered a park desert because there are no local parks where children could go to play,” said Assistant Principal Sharlu Melville, who led the effort to create the park.

Benefiting everyone, not just students“With this park, we are benefiting not only the school and its students, but also strengthening this community and its families,” added Ashley Vann, Board of Trustee President.

SPARK, an organization created in 1983 to increase park and recreational spaces in the Greater Houston area, has helped to turn underutilized school playgrounds into neighborhood parks at more than 200 locations. This is the third SPARK Park at a Katy ISD school.

Katy Magazine’s announced it’s Katy People of the Year for 2017 in the current issue launched today. This year’s honorees will be celebrated at the Katy Area Economic Development Council’s General Assembly Meeting on December 12. The eight Katy honorees include Superintendent Lance Hindt, Don Massey, Katy Police Chief Bill Hastings, and more. VIEW THE ISSUE

Lisa Forney, assistant principal for the Cardiff Colts, has received the title of “Life-Changer of the Year” ” for going above and beyond for her students and community.

Katy Independent School District is proud to announce that Cardiff Junior High (CJH) Assistant Principal Lisa Forney has been nominated by a local business partner as a “Life Changer of the Year” for going above and beyond for her students and community.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

November 30, 2017

Meeting the needs of struggling faculty and staff
After Hurricane Harvey, Ms. Forney put pen to paper and outlined a comprehensive plan to meet the immediate needs of the Cardiff faculty and staff who were hardest hit by the storm. Thus was born the “CJH Boots on the Ground Initiative” which consisted of a group of volunteers who cleaned out flooded homes, delivered food to work crews and collected donated items. She went even further by reaching out to non-profit organizations to sponsor families and support them as they worked to get back on their feet. Because of Ms. Forney’s detailed planning, communication skills and her dedication to the community, many families received the help they needed after the storm.

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Providing a stress-free Thanksgiving to Katy ISD families

However, her work didn’t end when the flood waters receded. With the help of many staff members, she organized an essential needs pantry that efficiently served over 200 Cardiff families and community members. Also, as the Thanksgiving season approached, Ms. Forney along with help from Tays Junior High volunteers, many local community partners and non-profit organizations led the coordination of the CJH Thanksgiving Pop-Up Market which provided turkeys and packaged food to over 100 families. Her goal was to provide a stress-free Thanksgiving!

Ms. Forney’s desire to give without expectation has inspired and changed the lives of many. Together as a school community, let’s help her win the National Grand Prize by visiting the Forney Life Changer of the Year profile and leaving a comment.

The Life Changer of the Year is a national program that recognizes K-12 educators and school employees for the positive difference they make in the lives of their students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Thanks to the SPARK Program and contributions from the local community, this park will be available for public use during non-school hours and on weekends. It features modular playground equipment, walking trails, picnic tables, outdoor music equipment and learning spaces.

The park will be open for public use during non-school hours and one weekends, and will feature modular playground equipment, walking trails, picnic tables, outdoor music equipment, and learning spaces.

Katy ISD superintendent Dr. Lance Hindt along with members of the school board, Katy Elementary School staff, Mayor Chuck Brawner, and State Representative Mike Schofield were among those in attendance for the unveiling of the new historical marker at Katy Elementary School, the site of the first schoolhouse in Katy.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX

November 10, 2017

By Ashley Lancaster

Katy Elementary, “The Original”

The original property, a small one-room house, was established in 1898 and slated by the founders of the town to be used for public education. The current Katy Elementary campus was built in 1965, renovated in 1989 and again in 1995. Today, students play on the same location as the original playground. The first school bell from 1909 still hangs in the main entrance of the campus.

A tribute to Katy’s legacy
All of Katy Elementary’s students and staff were in attendance for a special ceremony that included opening remarks from Katy ISD School Board president Ashley Vann who stated, “The legacy this school has created is why Katy ISD is a destination school district. The legacy started here.”

Former Katy Elementary teachers and staff, Katy ISD namesakes, and Katy ISD legacy families and children were also recognized. Chris Harris, who did the research and footwork to have a marker placed at the school presented an informational slideshow for kids and adults, giving everyone present a history of the site where Katy Elementary now sits.

State recognition
Mayor Chuck Brawner read the proclamation, while Texas state representative Mike Schofield read the offical historical marker, said a few words as well, “In a growing city like Katy, its important to be mindful of our past. The Beckendorffs, Mortons…these aren’t just names on roads, they are the people who built this place. This school is where education in Katy began, and it has gone from a few dozen families in 1898, to over 300,000 people. We received from them, and future generations will received from us.” Superintendent Dr. Lance Hindt closed the ceremony.

Those Katy kids
The ceremony ended with a fun, campus-wide performance of the school song, “Katy Kids”, before students were released to their classrooms, and invitees were led outside for the unveiling ceremony and reception to follow.

Katy ISD Police Department is sponsoring the 15th Annual Santa Cops Program, aimed at helping families that may be experiencing hardships by providing gifts and clothing for their children during the holidays. This year, the program anticipates an increased number of families in need due to the devastation caused by Harvey.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX

November 13, 2017

As in the past, generous sponsors are needed. Every year students, community organizations as well as district employees make this program a success. The Katy ISD Police Department welcomes any and all who would like to participate. If you or someone you know would like to donate and help children this year, please send an email to santacops@katyisd.org.

Sponsor information will be sent out around the third-week of November. After Harvey, the outpouring of love and generosity has been heartwarming and the Katy ISD Police Department would like to continue the community’s support throughout the upcoming holiday

The Katy ISD Partners in Education’s 15th Annual Food for Families has launched and the community is invited to support Katy ISD families in need this holiday season. Food for Families is an annual campaign that since 2003 has helped thousands of Katy ISD students and their families with grocery gift cards. Every Katy ISD campus identifies students in need of assistance, and the gift cards are given to those students before winter break. This long-standing program has helped thousands of families and Katy ISD Partners in Education hopes to this year touch even more.

Donations of any amount are welcomed and appreciated. The deadline to donate is December 7. To make a contribution online please click here. To donate via check, please remit to “Katy ISD Food for Families” and mail to Partners in Education: Katy ISD ESC, 6301 South Stadium Lane, Katy 77494.

Food for Families, a Katy ISD Partners in Education yearly initiative, unites our Katy ISD staff and community in holiday support for select students and their families. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org or contact Tammy Stringer, 281-396-2645, tammyrstringer@katyisd.org.

Katy ISD’s original elementary campus, built in 1965, will receive a historical marker on Friday, November 10, 2017 to celebrate it’s history and the many Tigers who have pass through it’s hallways.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX

November 6, 2017

Historical marker being given Katy Elementary (KE), along with its community and students, is honored for being recognized with an historical marker as the first schoolhouse site in Katy. The original property, a small one-room house, was established in 1898 and slated by the founders of the town to be used for public education.

Educating Katy students since 1909…The current Katy Elementary campus was built in 1965, renovated in 1989 and again in 1995. Today, students play on the same location as the original playground. The first school bell from 1909 still hangs in the main entrance of the campus.

Katy ISD Election Day is November 7, 2017, with a $609M bond referendum on the ballot. Read on for polling locations by county, early voting results, and bond details.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX

November 7, 2017

By Jennifer Skelton

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Katy ISD has a bond on the ballot for $609,204,553 that includes six new schools (one high school, two junior highs and 3 elementary schools) to alleviate overcrowding and to keep up with growth in the southwest and northwest quadrants of the district. The full bond includes…

74% – Six new schools

9% – Component replacements

5% – Technology

4% – Buses, portables, fuel tank replacements

3% – Fielder Elementary comprehensive renovation

3% – Safety and security

2% – Expansions for Raines and Katy High

Katy ISD was recently voted the #1 school district in the Houston metro area and is 2nd in growth in the state of Texas adding 2,800+ new students yearly.

Early voting numbers shows 7,374 votes were cast towards the bond broken down by 4,177 from Fort Bend County; 2,880 coming from Harris County; and 188 coming from Waller.

Katy students hold fast to their faith, share testimonies, and pray over the district and their community at Rhodes Stadium on October 15.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, Tx

October 16, 2017

Ashley Lancaster

On October 15, approximately 200 high school and junior high-aged Katy students participated in Fields of Faith, a youth-led event where students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ. An athletic field provides a neutral rally point where a community can come together.

Fields of Faith

In Katy, the familiar and historic Jack Rhodes Memorial Stadium served as the meeting place for what was to be a truly touching and inspiring night for young people and adults alike.

Youth in prayer

The kids, who come from different schools and churches all over the city, prayed for our country, for our national, state and local leaders, for unity in the nation, for all of our schools, teachers and administrators. They also shared their personal testimonies and encouraged and shared their faith with each other. There was a live band to lead them in worship, and volunteers and pastors from Powerhouse, First Baptist Church of Katy, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes all came together to organize the event and make hot dogs for the kids to eat, provide an inspirational message, and close the evening in prayer.

“It is so important for young people people to be encouraged to live their faith and share their faith with others,” says Pastor Robert Burdette.

The family of Taylor High School’s injured star defensive end and Texas A&M commit, Max Wright, opens up about surgery, recovery, and plans for college.

An injury late in the third

During last week’s match up against Fort Bend Austin, Mustang defensive end and A&M commit Max Wright left the game late in the third quarter complaining of a “muscle cramp” and did not make a reappearance.

Late Saturday, an MRI confirmed that Wright had suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, an injury that will keep him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.

True to form, the faithful football player encouraged his friends, teammates, and followers on Twitter with inspirational bible verses. And faith will play a huge role in the months to come while Max prepares for his big comeback with the Texas A&M Aggies.

Surgery on the books

“Honestly, we are heartbroken that he will miss his senior year but are seeking to believe and trust that God has bigger and better things in store for Max down the road,” says his mother, Cydney Wright.

According to Cydney, Max’s surgery is scheduled for October 5 by Dr. Walter Lowe, and he is already working out and attending physical therapy at Memorial Hermann Ironman. “He is ready to tackle this head on and feels incredibly strong!” says Wright.

Continuing to lead

As a team captain, the 6’4″, 270 lb. athlete will continue to lead his team from the sidelines while continuing to focus on rehab and recovery and preparing to play college football for the Aggies.

The Wright family would like to thank the Katy ISD community for their outpouring of love, support, and prayers.

(Photo by Sara Isola)

“We are truly grateful for all the love , prayers and support from the Texas A&M coaches and families as well as all our family and friends! Max is amazingly strong and his determination has proven that he can handle adversity and with God’s help he will be back stronger than ever and ready to hit Kyle Field when he reports to College Station after graduation. Setbacks bring amazing comebacks! Thank you for your continued prayers! Gig’em and Go Mustangs!”

Katy ISD says no make up days will be added over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Breaks, but there will be four extended early release days

A Message to Parents from Katy ISD

As many families and staff continue recovery efforts in our neighborhoods, homes and community, we are also slowly but surely getting back on track with the business of teaching and learning across Katy ISD campuses. As you know, our students lost two weeks of instructional time as a result of Tropical Storm Harvey. However, because the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will be waiving up to 10 instructional days, there will be no need to extend the 2017-18 instructional calendar, or to modify the Thanksgiving, Christmas/winter, and spring breaks.

Our Curriculum Department has worked diligently over the past few weeks to realign and restructure the curriculum unit plans to ensure that all state standards will be taught this school year. As such, there will be no gaps in the taught and tested curriculum.

Also, to ensure that our students receive the full benefits of the Katy ISD learning experience, we have identified means to regain lost instructional time to deliver additional support to students.This includes providing enrichment resources for our families, supplementary study opportunities for Advanced Placement (AP) students, and extending four early release days to full days of instruction.

Enrichment Resources for Families: Online instructional enrichment activities developed by our Curriculum Department are available for parents or guardians to work with their child(ren) at home. These enhanced learning activities are ungraded and optional, and are available on the Katy ISD Curriculum & Instruction web page. Each core subject area will be covered for the remainder of the school year. These subjects include language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Support for Advanced Placement (AP) Students: Additional study opportunities will also be offered to students preparing for the May 2018 AP exams. Review sessions and resources are currently being developed and will be shared with students, and published on the website later this Fall.

Extending Four Early Release Days: The 2017-2018 instructional calendar included six “early release” days that are typically designated for professional development, teacher preparation, and parent conferences. Four of the previously designated early release days (Oct. 9, 20, Feb 16, April 13) will be extended to full instructional days. This is designed to allow students more time in the classroom, as well as to serve the needs of so many of our families who are displaced by Harvey and depending, now more than ever, on the daily routine of school to bring a sense of normalcy to their child(ren)’s lives. We understand that October 9 and 20 had been set aside for parent/teacher conferences at many campuses. However, in lieu of the in-person conferences, parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers by email and/or phone. Parents should also continue to monitor their student’s progress on theHome Access Center. Friday, December 15 and Thursday, May 24 will remain “early release” days since final exams are given on those dates.

Thank you for your understanding as we move forward with these post-Harvey initiatives to recapture lost instructional time and to provide additional support to our students and families. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your school.

On September 11, 2017, the Katy ISD Education Foundation launched an initiative to provide support for Katy ISD families and staff that were impacted by the flooding from Hurricane Harvey by collecting donations from the community.

The response was overwhelming. In just four days, the foundation had raised approximately 50 percent of their original goal. As of this morning, the total funds raised was $56,249. The new goal – $75,000 to be given directly back to men, women, and children right here in Katy ISD who lost homes, personal possessions, and who need it most.

Individual donations can be made in any amount, no matter how big or small, or the foundation provides options to donate up to $2500 at a time for those who are willing and able.

The fundraiser will close on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Click here to contribute.

“While the district is in a strong position to support facility recovery, the real need we see lies with the families in our community,” says Superintendent Lance Hindt.

On Tuesday, September 19, 2017 parents and guardians of the Taylor High School Football Team were notified that their head coach was placed on administrative leave till further notice. The leave is unrelated to his role with students.

In his absence, Katy ISD Assistant Coach Joe Sheffy will be taking his place in leading the Taylor High School football team this season. Sheffy is a certified, highly experienced individual who is well versed on the needs of the team.

Katy ISD is committed to its students and will do everything necessary to ensure their continued success during this period. Because this is a personnel matter the District is unable to provide additional information.

Harris County Fire Chief says, “Thank You” to Katy ISD for their relief and rescue contributions.

All of Katy Stepped Up

In a recent press release expressing his sympathies and to all families and residents who suffered water and wind damage from Hurricane Harvey, Harris County Emergency Services Fire Chief (Dist. 48) Jeffrey S. Hevey gave his sincerest thanks to several local organizations who stepped up to help rescue people from flooded areas in both HCESD No. 48 and FBESD No. 1.

Among those listed were the Katy ISD Police Department, Katy ISD campuses, and Katy ISD Department of Transportation (school buses).

Katy ISD Stands Out

During the six days of the storm and continued flooding, the district opened it’s doors at Cinco Ranch High School and Morton Ranch High School to accept 4,000 displaced residents and donations for families in need. Katy High School served as the main operating headquarters for U.S. National Guard and other military while they carried out rescue and relief missions all over south Texas. Katy ISD bus drivers bravely volunteered to drive district vehicles into high water to rescue 450 people trapped by flood waters. Katy ISD police officers faithfully, dutifully served their community in every necessary capacity during the storm. During a time when roughly 15,000 students and 2,600 Katy ISD employees were directly impacted by the storm and subsequent flooding, the impact that the district had on relief and rescue efforts is truly inspiring.

Below is the full list of the partners and agencies named by Chief Hevey:

Katy, TX News (September 8, 2017) – Neighborhoods surrounding Bear Creek Elementary suffered severe flooding last week. While the school was left intact, the local service provider has placed restrictions on water usage, as nearby lift pumps, along with the waste water treatment plant were compromised by the storm.

These restrictions will limit the school’s access to water and waste treatment. As such, Bear Creek Elementary students and staff will be transferred to Paetow High School, located at 23111 Stockdick School Rd.,Katy, TX, for the reopening of schools on September 11. Paetow is Katy ISD’s newest high school which opened its doors this fall to two grade levels – freshman and sophomore classes. The elementary students will be housed in the east tower of the campus, currently unoccupied by secondary students.

Transportation for all Bear Creek Elementary zoned students will be provided, should they need it. Information regarding routes, pick up and drop off times/locations will be emailed to parents before Monday.

In the meantime, operations crews have completed their mechanical and electrical assessments, which met all standards. Since there was no flood water intrusion within the building, Bear Creek students and staff will be returning to a safe and secure learning environment once restrictions are removed by the local service provider.

“Students and staff are our highest priority during this recovery process,” said Superintendent Lance Hindt. “Though the relocation for Bear Creek students is temporary, multiple Katy ISD departments are working vigorously to make this a smooth transition for everyone, both now and when students and staff are able to return to their school.”

Katy ISD closed the district on August 25 in anticipation of Hurricane Harvey. Following the storm, the District announced that 16 campuses had been impacted by flooding in surrounding neighborhoods. One campus, Creech Elementary took on several feet of water and arrangements have since been made for students and staff to be relocated to the University of Houston Cinco Ranch campus while repairs are being made at the school. Bear Creek Elementary will be the second school to relocate as a result of Tropical Storm Harvey. The remaining 14 schools have cleared building assessments and will reopen in their home locations this Monday.

On Thursday, September 7 Connolly Dance Arts will host a Dance – A – Thon event from 5 to 10 p.m. to give Katy families a chance to dance out all the stress caused by Hurricane Harvey and connect with their neighbors. The best part? One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will benefit teachers at Creech Elementary and Beck Junior High, who lost so much when their schools were affected by the flooding.

Registration is from 4 to 5 p.m., and the cost is $20 per contestant and $60 per family. They also accept $20 gift cards to Target, HEB, and Amazon. There will be a DJ, bake sale, and refreshments.

K.T. Connolly, owner of Connolly Dance Arts, says, “Even if you don’t want to participate, we invite everyone to come out and support these amazing Katy teachers!”

Sixteen Katy ISD schools were impacted by flooding that took place last week in the surrounding neighborhoods. Two district campuses, Creech Elementary and Beck Junior High, saw more extensive damage than other campuses. While Bear Creek Elementary sustained minor water intrusion. The damages and repairs include:

Beck Junior High
The campus is being assessed by operations crews and is being evaluated and remediated for damage due to water intrusion through the building’s roof, skylights and a construction site within the building. Mechanical and electrical systems, as well as air quality and mold testing, are being conducted throughout the building. These tests will determine if the school is ready to reopen on Monday, September 11.

Creech Elementary
Operations crews have begun the building assessment, which includes air quality/mold testing and a number of other safety reviews. Conditions near and around the campus have prevented our crews from fully assessing the building. Katy ISD is working on a plan to relocate students and staff and will notify families of the alternate campus site by the end of the day on Wednesday, September 6.

Bear Creek Elementary
The campus sustained minor water intrusion within the building. Operations crews are testing mechanical and electrical systems to ensure a safe return for students and staff. Evaluation and repairs to the damaged structure are expected to be completed by the end of the week, in time for the return of students on Monday, September 11.

The safety of our students and staff returning to their campus is our number one priority. Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated. Parents and staff will be updated as conditions evolve and new information is received.

Katy, TX News (September 1, 2017) – The Katy community of Cane Island has opened its Amenity Village event center, converting it into a temporary dorm for Katy first responders, some of whom had been sleeping in a nearby parking lot.

Beds have been set up and showers in the community’s fitness center are available. Meals also are being served. The Cane Island Amenity Village is located at 2100 Cane Island Parkway, just north of Interstate 10. On Site Contact: Dan Naef, 702-581-1956.

Katy, TX News (August 31, 2017) – Due to limited personnel as a result of the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey, it is projected that Katy ISD schools will reopen on Monday, September 11. Staff who can safely commute to work are asked to return to their campuses or office on Wednesday, September 6.

Only two Katy ISD campuses, Creech Elementary and Beck Junior High, sustained severe water damage which will require a significant amount of time to repair and restore. Fourteen Katy ISD campuses are located within neighborhoods directly impacted by flooding, though the school buildings remain intact. Nevertheless, there is a tremendous amount of work ahead for Katy ISD over the coming days, weeks and months as the District prepares to welcome back students and restore facilities and structures impacted by the storm.

During this catastrophic weather event the Katy ISD community, staff, parents and even students spent countless hours volunteering and caring for those who may have lost access to their homes and/or possessions due to the storm. Katy ISD bus drivers rescued hundreds from flooded areas and several of the Katy ISD campuses opened their doors to state emergency agencies staging operations. Superintendent Lance Hindt released a letter to parents and staff today notifying them of the district’s closure and reflecting upon the kindness and unity of the Katy community.

Katy, Texas News (August 29, 2017) – Peli Peli Restaurant is stepping up in the chaos created by hurricane Harvey to fuel first responders as they attempt to save families affected by the devastation of the flood.

Their Cinco Ranch restaurant, located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch and directly across from Torchy’s Tacos, is currently open and working to prepare hot meals for rescuers.

“Basically, we’re going to cook every bit of food on our shelves to feed Katy’s finest,” says Thomas Nguyen, co-founder and partner. If they run low, Nguyen says that they are asking Katy families who want to help to swing by with food for them to cook and prepare for Coast Guard, National Guard, FEMA, firefighters, volunteers, police, EMT, and others. “If we run out, we invite residents to donate food for us to prepare – our kitchen is ready and our doors are open. We’ll even make sandwiches.”

For first responders in a hurry, Nguyen says not to worry about coming inside. Just call 281-257- 9500 or 832-259-2448 and someone will run a hot meal out to the curb.

Today only, they will also be offering hot meals to first responders at their I-10 and Campbell location.

If you know of a Katy business offering assistance, supplies, or services to those in need, email us!

Katy, TX News (August 27, 2017) – Here are a few important advisories, alerts and notes from Harris County.

POSTED 8:00 AM

HIGH WATER LOCATIONS

There are over 177 high water locations across Harris County on Houston Transtar. Click link for more info.

Check out their Flood Warning System to see what we see. Click “channel status” on the left and you will see that most of our bayous and creeks are RED and out of bank.

Red= out of banksYellow= near top of bankGreen=still ok

TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN – SAUMS ROAD RESCUE

You can get swept away in as little as six inches so it’s not worth driving through.

Here is a rescue that took place last night at Saums Rd. Driving to your drowning is one of the most common ways flood deaths occur. It’s not worth it. Stay put!

USE 911 ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES

First responders are being dispatched to over 1,000 (and growing) rescues at this time. Some water inside is better than being outside. So, please stay put. If water is rising to Stay safe, this is seriously nothing to joke with!

DO NOT GO INSIDE ATTIC- GO ON YOUR ROOF

Please heed to the advice emergency officials. It’s devastating sitting in this emergency operations center listening to the thousands of calls coming in to get rescued. DO NOT attempt to leave, just stay put. TRUST US you wont get very far. More rescue boats are coming but the list is long. DO NOT go into attics, you will get TRAPPED! Get on roofs. As soon as day breaks it will be easier to rescue you!

If waters are rising and it’s absolutely necessary, please go onto your roof. We will get to as soon as we can. DO NOT GO IN YOUR ATTIC.

IF WATER IS IN YOUR HOME

We understand water is in homes, but only call 911 with life-threatening emergencies. Our 911 call center is inundated with requests, not allowing true emergencies to get thru. If you are dialing and it is a true emergency, STAY ON THE LINE. A dispatcher will get to you ASAP.DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOME. Stay put.

Katy, Texas News (August 25, 2017) – Overnight, Harvey slammed ashore and has downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. But that doesn’t mean Katy is out of the woods. Reduced wind speeds and persistent rain mean that we are still in for potentially disastrous flooding and possibly fast moving tornadoes.

POSTED: 9:00 AM.

UPDATED SAT 8/26, 7:00 AM

Weather stations reported up to 6″ of rain in the last 12 hours, with the Mayde Creek area at Greenhouse Road overflowing at its banks.

Water in this area will feed into the Barker/Addicks Reservoir, and it’s a possibility that roadways nearby could flood.

PRELIM Rainfall Reports for Katy area:

*Fort Bend County*

SSE Katy 4.47 in

SE Katy 3.41 in

*Harris County*

Katy 1.0 NNE 3.62 in

NE Katy 2.68 in

E Katy 2.00 in

SPORTING EVENTS

HOUSTON TEXANS are discussing playing next Thursday’s game against the Cowboys in Arlington.

DYNAMO & DASH games have been cancelled for the week.

HOUSTON COUGARS are practicing in Austin in preparation for the season.

KROGER 99 & MORTON RESTOCKING – A reader reported that Kroger at Morton and 99 is restocking water and other items that are out right now. (8:40 AM).

WATER AT TRADER JOE’S – LACENTERRA

A reader reported that there is water at Trader Joe’s, LaCenterra as of 8:20 AM.

THE LATEST UPDATE – FLASH FLOOD WATCHES

As Hurricane Harvey heads toward the Texas coast, the National Hurricane Center is warning Texans to be ready for “life threatening flash flooding”. Katy will not be impacted by surges because we have no coastal areas, but will need to be on alert for flash flooding. Katy could also experience heavy winds and rains. Flash flood watches are in effect possibly through Monday. Heavy rain is projected and the hurricane is reported to be “very close to reaching Category 3”.

WATER AT HEB AND SOUTH FRY

There was a lot of water stocked at HEB South Fry Road as of 6:30 AM. Lines already forming.

KATY ISD AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES CLOSED

All Katy ISD campuses and school facilities are closed today. According to a statement from the school district, “While Hurricane Harvey has yet to touch ground in the Katy area, the National Weather Services is predicting an extreme weather event. As such, we have chosen to err on the side of caution to ensure the safety and security of our students, families, staff and community.”

HUNKER DOWN KATY AND CHECK ON EACH OTHER

If you do not have to drive, stay put. Make sure you have water and rations for a few days. Don’t forget to check on your neighbors, seniors, and shut ins!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

– Charge your phones now.

– Stay put during the storms.

– If you must drive, DO NOT drive through water.

– Never bypass road closure signs. The roads have been closed because of serious danger or flooding.

KATY MAGAZINE will continue to update this page specifically for Katy as new events take place.

Katy, TX News (August 22, 2017) – With a unanimous vote of 7-0, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees called a November 2017 bond election for the 239-project bond package presented by a community-led committee this past July. The total bond package is $609.2 MM and would have no impact on the school tax rate.

The Community Bond Advisory Committee’s (CBAC) package focuses on meeting existing and near-term needs as the District continues to grow by 2,800 student annually and older campuses show signs of aging. It’s a growth bond that directly affects students, with 74% of the bond allocated for new schools. The improvements proposed for existing campuses will ensure that classrooms adequately support the curriculum and meet legislative requirements across the district.

The bond package is comprised of six new schools, a comprehensive renovation of Fielder Elementary, repairs and replacements for components like school kitchens, roofs, floors and intercoms at 61 campuses and facilities, facility expansions at two schools, and safety and security upgrades at 40 campuses. Students across the entire district will likewise benefit from technology network improvements. The CBAC also included funds for new buses as well as fuel tanks and portable buildings to replace existing aging ones.

Katy, TX News (August 16, 2017) – VLK Architects and Katy ISD are pleased to celebrate the opening of Bryant Elementary School. The new school, designed for 1030 students, is located in the Young Ranch Subdivision, south of I-10 at Pederson Road and Kingsland Boulevard. The facility was designed to allow for ease of student circulation while providing a safe and secure learning environment. The school was named after Robert & Felice Bryant. Robert Bryant, who retired in 2015, started his career as the director of bands and fine arts department chair in 1983. Felice Bryant, who retired in 2012, started her legacy at KISD in 1987 as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher. The couple collectively dedicated nearly 60 years to the Katy Independent School District.

“It was an honor to work with Katy ISD and an added bonus to have this facility named after our friend Bob Bryant and his wife Felice who served the district for so many years” commented Todd Lien, VLK Partner.

Each classroom pod contains eight classrooms, an activity center, restrooms, and a teacher planning space. The design allows for exceptional flexibility, providing multiple learning environments. This two-story prototype elementary has classroom wings (pods) that are organized around the media center to promote collaboration. The school promotes outdoor learning between classroom wings by incorporating green spaces and grade level appropriate visuals. The learning stairs and student gallery are also part of the centralized common space for student use and activities.

Katy, TX News (August 15 2017)– After nearly 15 years of publishing award-winning local content in a printed format, Katy Magazine is excited to announce the launch of Katy’s first, all-digital magazine designed to be viewed on phones and iPads. This decision comes after extensive market research, which shows that while print readership continues at a steep decline industry-wide (3%) digital readership has grown to an unprecedented rate (40%).

“In the past few years, we’ve seen more engagement and interaction on our social media stories and posts and less and less response in our print issue,” says Matt Katsarelis, Katy Magazine’s publisher. “We know our readers spend a lot of time on their phones and devices so we are meeting them there.”

Katrina and Matt Katsarelis are husband and wife publishing team who originally moved to Katy in 2000 from Silicon Valley, California. Before making the leap, they studied studied several highly successful digital-only magazines in large metropolitan markets across the U.S and created a platform that would suit Katy readers well. “We know our readers don’t want to click through five screens to get through one story so all our stories are scrollable and super easy to navigate,” says Katrina Katsarelis, publisher and editor-in-chief. “We are so excited to be able to connect directly with our readers who can now share, comment, post photos, and email us directly from the stories.”

Local businesses will benefit from Katy-specific, highly targeted animated ads, in content that closely matches their market demographic. “The ads are designed to be elegant and non-intrusive,” says Katrina Katsarelis. “They’re actually beautiful and are about local companies so they’re also interesting.”

Katy Magazine will be promoting the issue and the stories themselves by way of their popular social media venues. Katy Magazine is known for having one of the top social media presences in Katy with 35,100 Facebook likes, 15,300 Twitter followers, and 6000 Instagram followers.

In between the monthly Katy Magazine themed issues, Katy Magazine will to share up-to-date news items using the digital format, and will continue to share events, community jobs, and resources for the community.

The SLHS chapter was awarded Outstanding High School Chapter in Texas for the 2nd year in a row, the National Pacesetter Award and was ranked in the top 15 chapters in the nation for fundraising. Fedewa and Kallina were also only of 9 students chosen to have a position on the Friendship Walk committee where they brainstormed with others and will aid in planning next year’s fundraising walk. “Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver (pictured), Best Buddies is a vibrant international organization that has grown from one original chapter at Georgetown University to more than 2,300 chapters worldwide, positively impacting the lives of over 1.1 million people with and without intellectual and developmental disorders. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States, and in over 50 countries around the world.”

Courtesy of Seven Lakes High School

Katy, TX News (August 2, 2017) – Parents, students, staff, and other community members, as well as media outlets, are invited to join Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt and the Board of Trustees for the official dedication of Mike Johnston Field and Legacy Stadium. Katy ISD namesakes and local officials will also participate in the celebration.

Photo by Bob McSpadden

The Mike Johnston Field at Legacy Stadium was approved by voters as part of the 2014 Katy ISD bond. The facility will provide students and the community with a state of the art multipurpose second stadium to serve more than 77,000 students, and community members, across the district. This year, athletic and fine arts teams from eight high schools will benefit from this new facility.

The dedication ceremony will include special performances by all high school bands and choir directors.

Katy, TX News (August 1, 2017) – Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released SAT scoring data for Houston area high schools in 2015, and three Katy ISD high schools ranked within the top 10 highest overall performance scores in the region.

The schools and their combined SAT scores from 2015 are listed below:

7. Seven Lakes High School: 1689

Katy ISD

Math: 585

Reading: 558

Writing: 546

8. Taylor High School: 1662

Math: 569

Reading: 552

Writing: 541

9. Cinco Ranch High School: 1656

Math: 578

Reading: 547

Writing: 531

Also mong the top 10 were schools from Clear Creek, Houston, Spring Branch, and Fort Bend ISD.

Katy, TX News (July 28, 2017) – Teachers and staff of Katy’s ISD’s new Bryant Elementary School pause for a group photo during a recent get-together at the Cane Island Amenity Village Event Center. Residents of the Katy master-planned community of Cane Island will attend the all-new school located at 29801 Kingsland Boulevard.

Katy, TX News (July 25, 2017) – Katy’s Cane Island will conclude its Summer of Fun and Music with RadioKaty as the master-planned community of new homes hosts three music performances in August – all free and open to the public – including two at its Back to School Bash and school supply drive on Saturday, August 19.

Cane Island’s August live music schedule features the folk and pop sounds of singer/songwriter Allison Bishop on Friday, August 4 from 7 – 9 p.m. Guests also can enjoy fine wines from Haak Winery available for purchase.

The music series wraps up Saturday, August 19 from 2 – 6 p.m. as Cane Island’s Back to School Bash presents the country and rock sounds of Maddox & Steele and Carrie Marie. While at the Back to School Bash, enjoy Chick-fil-A and ice cream from Honey Child’s Sweet Creams. Beer from BahBah Brewhouse will be available for purchase.

Donations of school supplies for Cane Island schools are currently being accepted at the Cane Island Welcome Center until the August 19 event.

Cane Island’s Summer of Fun and Music, free and open to the public, will be held in the community’s Amenity Village, 2100 Cane Island Parkway.

To reach Cane Island, take the Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway and follow the temporary detour into the community.

The 2016 GHBA Community of the Year, Cane Island presents new luxury homes from the mid $200s to the millions from CalAtlantic Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes. The community also offers the Estates at Cane Island, an exclusive, gated enclave of custom homes by Jeff Paul Custom Homes, Mike Harrison Custom Homes, Westport and William David Custom Homes featuring half-acre homesites and Houston’s first street pantries.

Katy, TX News (July 25, 2017) – Katy ISD’s head athletic director, Debbie Decker, was recently appointed president of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association (THSADA). Decker is the first person from Katy ISD to serve in this capacity.

In addition to overseeing the day-to-day business of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association, Decker will also be responsible for writing columns for quarterly newsletters, appointing committees and committee members, and serving on the special events committee, among other tasks.

Courtesy of Debbie Decker via THSADA:

“My vision as President of the THSADA is to engage, encourage and support athletic administrators in the development of knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders in educational based athletics.

Goals:

1. Promote the role of the athletic administrator in the state.
2. Continue developing athletic administrators to their highest level of competency by providing resources through trainings including the state conference.
3. Expand on professional development and leadership training opportunities.
4. Build on the current relationship with the UIL, THSCA and TGCA.
5. Collaborate with THSADA members on how to continue to grow our association.”

Dr. Martinez has worked in the field of education for 28 years. She began her educational career in 1989 as a teacher in Pasadena ISD. She has also work in Angleton ISD, Clear Creek ISD and as a grant/technology coordinator in Royal ISD.

She came to Katy ISD in 2001, where she served as an instructional technology facilitator, technology training supervisor, Parent & Patron Center Coordinator and then as an assistant principal at Morton Ranch Junior High. In 2015, Dr. Martinez returned to Angleton ISD as Principal of Angleton Junior High. However, it’s the District’s pleasure to have her back home at Katy ISD where she will lead the Memorial Parkway Elementary family.

“Coming back to Katy ISD is such a proud honor and a dream come true,” says Principal Martinez. “My goal is to work to build trust, establish relationships and create a positive environment where our Panthers can excel and achieve their dreams. Working together as a team we will be ‘the best school in the land!’”

Mr. Smith has worked in the field of education for 17 years. He began his career with Houston ISD in 2001 as an elementary teacher, serving as a literary specialist and intermediate classroom teacher at JFK Elementary. He also worked with Pre-K students at Gabriela Mistral early Childhood Center and as a student behavior specialist at Fondren Middle School.

He came to Katy in 2012 and served as an assistant principal at Mayde Creek Junior High, a principal for Katy Summer Academic Term in 2016 and 2017 and before moving to McRoberts Elementary, he was an assistant principal at Seven Lakes High School.

“To become the principal of McRoberts Elementary is truly an honor,” says Principal Smith. “It is a reflection of the Katy community. A community that is built on integrity, honor, kindness, relationships and success. As the new principal of McRoberts Elementary, one of my main goals will be to establish a rapport with each and every one of my students and help them to reach their highest potential. Go Dolphins!”

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (July 18, 2017) – Katy ISD’s 2017 District-wide Elementary Teacher of the Year Kristal Parrish and Secondary Teacher of the Year Phuong Nguyen have been selected as finalists in the Region 4 Teacher of the Year program.

Ms. Parrish is a fifth grade teacher at WoodCreek Elementary where she teaches reading, writing and social studies. Since 2013, Ms. Parrish has also been the fifth grade team Curriculum and Instruction Leader. She’s a dedicated teacher that inspires her students to make an impact in the world. She does this by teaching them to be critical readers and writers, and deep thinkers who are compassionate. Her philosophy surrounds the ideal that “there is no program, no app, no curriculum that can replace the tremendous power and essence of an effective and passionate teacher in the life of a student.”

Ms. Nguyen teaches 10th – 12th grade students in the area of Principles of Health Science, Health Science Technology and Clinical Rotations at Taylor High School. As a teacher, she creates an environment where curiosity is cultivated, learning is collaborative and students develop skills to be successful in every endeavor. Her philosophy is one of adaptability and emphasis on the importance of a moral compass. Ms. Nguyen also initiated the Katy Students Run program at her school to create another platform in order for her to mentor and teach the necessary skills to be successful in life.

The Region 4 Teachers of the Year event is part of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Texas Teacher of the Year program and is the initial step into the National Teacher of the Year selection process.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (July 12, 2017) – More than 7,500 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members, advisers, and guests from across the country gathered in Nashville, TN for the 2017 National Leadership Conference. The meeting provided MRHS FCCLA members with the opportunity to attend leadership and program training, hear national speakers, and explore colleges and careers. Kyle Triplett, an 11th grader and Michael Hurley a 9th grader at Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, were among the members and took part in STAR Event competitions at the conference.

FCCLA offers over 30 STAR [Students Taking Action with Recognition] Events. These events, which include Early Childhood Education, Job Interview, and Sports Nutrition, among others, represent college and career readiness skills taught in Family and Consumer Sciences classroom. Members compete at the Regional, State and National level. This year, Kyle and Michael were among over 4,200 STAR Event participants who competed in Nashville, TN. They competed in the Promote and Publicize category. Their project focused on showcasing all the benefits FCCLA offers our community. Their presentation consisted of a 10 minute speech, 30 page portfolio with documentation, and an 8 x 4 foot visual display. During their presentation they explained each community service activitiy that the chapter’s 124 members participated in. Activities completed by chapter members this year included; mentoring of elementary reading students, breast cancer awareness, food drives, purchasing Christmas gifts for needy children, book drive, heart disease awareness, promoting physical activity among the family, and programs to promote cultural awareness and acceptance. Triplett and Hurley received a gold medal in the event by scoring highest among their competitors. Hurley stated that he has learned confidence, public speaking skills and the importance of hard work while competing this year.

About FCCLA

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective career and technical student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has more than 164,000 members and more than 5,300 chapters from 49 state associations, in addition to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members, and it’s the only career and technical in-school student organization with a central focus on careers that support families. Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.

After two days of competition, Rowan tied for first place earning the title of National Champion for Floor in his division. He had a career high score of 13.45 on Floor during the preliminary competition. Rowan is an honors student at Seven Lakes Junior High, and when he’s not training at the gym, he enjoys playing percussion with the SLJH Honors Band, designing with Legos and solving Rubix cube puzzles.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (July 7, 2017) – YMCA Operation Backpack, an initiative of the YMCA of Greater Houston, is one of Texas’ largest back-to-school supply drives. In its 13th year, YMCA Operation Backpack is expecting to reach its highest goal to date by giving school supplies and/or a new backpack to 120,000 youngsters whose families struggle to make ends meet. Last year, the YMCA delivered backpacks and supplies to more than 105,000 children. Thirty-six school districts in the Houston area will benefit from the event.

This initiative is not possible without donors, however. Required school supplies can cost up to $200 per student, yet more than 25 percent of Houston-area children ages 17 and under live in poverty. The month-long school supply drive will run from July 11 to August 11, 2017.

How you can help:

Make a monetary donation or purchase pre-packaged school supplies and a backpack at any participating H-E-B at the checkout stand. Your donation will directly support your local YMCA.

Visit ymcaoperationbackpack.org for a list of school supplies if you wish to purchase them individually. Supplies and backpacks can be dropped off at any YMCA or at designated sites specified on the YMCA website.

Katy, TX News (July 7, 2017) – As of fall 2017, the University of Houston’s Katy campus will offer engineering courses that may be applied toward a Master’s degree in electrical, subsea, and environmental engineering upon successful admission into the respective graduate programs. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree may apply at egr.uh.edu/engineering-katy. Courses can be taken on campus or online.

There will be an information session on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1550 Foxlake Dr. Interested parties must RSVP by Monday, July 10, 2017 t0 subsea-advisor@me.uh.edu.

Please submit other supplemental materials, such as in-depth biographies, news clippings, photos, letters of recommendation and/or other printed resources that would assist the naming committee in making a recommendation to the Board.

The Nomination for Naming a New School or Facility Form and all supplementary materials may be submitted in the following manner:

Katy, TX News (June 15, 2017) – Schmalz Elementary was recently selected to participate in the 2017 Raising Family Partnerships Fellowship. The school is one of 20 from across the state selected to redesign and transform their family engagement plan based on best practices, personal experiences and lessons learned from other participants.

The year-long fellowship kicks off in the summer of 2017 with a design camp where school leaders will turn research into practice and engagement opportunities for their campuses during the upcoming school year.

Raising Your Hand Texas Leadership Program consists of an elite network of 1,000 Texas school leaders who contribute to creating a high-quality public school system that supports the success of all students. Following the design camp, participants will remain connected, working together to implement and improve their plans and to collaborate and provide feedback on ways to strengthen partnerships on their campuses. Congratulations to the staff at Schmalz Elementary School.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (June 14, 2017) – “Located off of Kingsland Blvd, just south of I-10 in Katy Texas, The Katy Boardwalk District is an approximately forty acre development conceptualized by the City of Katy and the Katy Development Authority to transform the underutilized property and existing detention lake into an exciting retail, residential and recreational destination.

The project will be located just south of The Katy Mills Mall and within walking distance of the new Typhoon Texas Waterpark. The Katy Boardwalk District will add a number of exciting amenities and services to this rapidly transforming part of Katy.

Plans are currently underway with the City of Katy to complete the master plan for the district and for the final design for the park and lakefront. Ultimately The District will include approximately 650 modern loft residences, approximately 145,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and approximately 60,000 square feet of retail space along with a new City of Katy Conference Center and Hotel all bordering a newly improved, eighty acre lake and park to the south.”

Katy, TX News (June 13, 2017) – Three Katy ISD teams classified in the “Top 10 Teams” during the Global Destination Imagination Tournament, which took place in Knoxville, Tennessee on May 24-28.

More than 1,400 teams representing 45 states and 14 countries competed in the event to showcase their innovative challenge solutions. In total, five Katy ISD teams attended the tournament, including students from Griffin Elementary, Hayes Elementary, Beckendorff Junior High and Katy High School.

In the Improv Challenge, 3-Peat, the Katy High School “Tie Di ers” finished in 10th place. This placed them as the highest ranking team in the state of Texas, who was in attendance. Participating in the Scientific Challenge, Top Secret, the Hayes Elementary team “It’s Classified” finished in third place. The “Altos Kryptos,” from Griffin Elementary won second place in the same category.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (June 6, 2017) – Close to 5,000 Katy ISD seniors walked across the stage at the Leonard E. Merrell Center during this year’s graduation ceremony. Katy ISD congratulates all graduates and wishes them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

The District is proud to announce the Top 10 graduates from each of its comprehensive high schools. They are:

Katy, TX News (June 1, 2017) – Katy ISD is proud to announce the top two students from each high school who are ranked highest academically in their respective graduating classes. These students have worked extremely hard from the very first day of their ninth grade year until the last day of their senior year. Many of them are now moving on to prestigious colleges and universities throughout the nation. The 2016-2017 valedictorians and salutatorians are:

Each recipient was awarded a $700 sports medicine scholarship in recognition of the distinguished service the students provide to KISD athletic programs. This year’s recipients included: Alexis Ali from Mayde Creek High School, Kaylin Michalec from Cinco Ranch High School, Se’Kenia Rinayo from Morton Ranch High School, Claire Schlicher from Taylor High School, and Brianna Ungaro from Tompkins High School.

Ali is heading to Texas State University to study athletic training. Michalec will study sports medicine at the University of Arkansas. Rinayo will attend Lone Star College and plans to study business. Schlicher is going to Sam Houston State University to study forensic chemistry. Ungaro is headed to Arizona State University to study nursing.

Memorial Hermann Katy is the official healthcare provider of KISD, providing education, training and medical services that support student athletes, their coaches and families. Memorial Hermann Katy also offers world-class, innovative orthopedic care. Services range from non-surgical and minimally-invasive procedures to surgery, and rehabilitation for muscle, joint and bone injuries and abnormalities.

For more information on Memorial Hermann Katy, visit memorialhermann.org/locations/katy or call 713.222.CARE.

Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital

Katy, TX News (May 30, 2017) – The Katy ISD Board of Trustees and Superintendent Lance Hindt will be joining staff and community members as the district breaks ground on Elementary #41. This new educational facility is being made possible in part from savings out of the 2014 bond package and will serve to address growing enrollment that is taking place in the southwest quadrant of Katy ISD. The school is expected to open in Fall 2018. The new school will be located at 3701 Cross Creek Bend Ln. The groundbreaking will take place May 31, 2017 at 9 a.m.

Katy, TX News (May 30, 2017) – The Katy ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name Dr. Dawn Carlson-Scruggs as the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary School Leadership and Support.

Dr. Carlson-Scruggs has worked in the field of education for 25 years. She began her educational career in 1992 as a teacher in Lubbock ISD but she also worked in Austin ISD, Round Rock ISD and Fort Bend ISD. She served as an assistant principal from 2001-2005 in Austin ISD and Round Rock ISD, respectively. While in Fort Bend ISD she served as a principal, coordinator of Leadership Development, Director of Special Education and most recently as Director of Student Affairs.

Dr. Carlson-Scruggs holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education from Peru State College, a Master of Education in Special Education from Texas Tech University, a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

Courtesy Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (May 23, 2017) – During the Regular Board of Trustees meeting, Katy ISD Superintendent, Dr. Lance Hindt, announced Christopher Morgan as the new principal for Taylor High School. Mr. Morgan will be replacing Jeff Stocks, who recently accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent for Instructional and Administrative Support – Area 2.

Mr. Morgan has worked in education for 22 years. He began his educational career in 1995 as an elementary teacher in Irving ISD. In 1998, he was promoted to Assistant Principal at Paul Keyes Elementary. In 2006, his career moved him to Fort Bend ISD, where he served as an elementary, junior high and high school principal. Mr. Morgan has served as Principal of Kempner High School since 2014.

Mr. Morgan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Education in Administration Degree from Texas Women’s University. Mr. Morgan will begin his new role as principal of Taylor High School on July 1, 2017.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (May 22, 2017) – For the second year in a row, Katy ISD’s Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) program reached an unparalleled milestone by donating an extraordinary 1,056,073 hours to the district’s students and staff. Although the number is impressive unto itself, the greater impact lies in the thousands of personal stories it reflects. Each one of those million+ hours represents a person who lovingly donated the gift of time to better the lives of Katy ISD children.

Katy, TX News (May 17, 2017) – Five Katy ISD teams will be headed to Knoxville, Tennessee for the Destination Imagination Global Tournament on May 24-27. Students from Griffin Elementary, Hayes Elementary, Beckendorff Junior High and Katy High School are preparing to compete against teams from across the United States as well as groups representing many other countries throughout the world.

On April 11, nineteen Katy ISD Destination Imagination teams traveled to Lubbock, Texas to compete against more than 370 teams where they showcased their creativity and problem solving skills. The hard work of these students has paid off.

Destination Imagination is a world-wide creative problem solving organization that teaches students the skills needed to succeed in school, career and beyond. Teams use the creative process to turn their ideas into reality.

For more information about Destination Imagination visit www.idodi.org and to learn about the Destination Imagination program in Katy ISD, contact Nancy Hess at nancyshess@katyisd.org

Katy, TX News (May 17, 2017) – During the monthly Katy ISD Work Study meeting, William “Bill” Lacy was welcomed as the newest member of the Katy ISD Board of Trustees. Lacy along with incumbents Ashley Vann and Courtney Doyle took the Oath of Office and were officially sworn in during a Special Board meeting held ahead of the Work Study.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Vann

The Board also unanimously elected new officers for the 2017-2018 school year. Ashley Vann was elected as president, Courtney Doyle as vice president and Charles Griffin as secretary. George Scott was appointed to fill the position of the Texas Association of the School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors for Region 4, Position E.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (May 11, 2017) – The Katy ISD Education Foundation is committed to helping teachers create extraordinary classroom experiences for their students through grants. The foundation has awarded approximately $1 million dollars to Katy ISD teachers in their first five years. This year, $284,000 in grants were awarded to schools at the elementary through high school lever. The a few of the lucky grant recipients are listed below.

Katy, TX News (May 10, 2017) – Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced that the Katy ISD Financial Services Department is the latest local government entity to achieve specific transparency goals through the Transparency Stars program. Katy ISD received a star in the area of Traditional Finances which recognizes entities for their outstanding efforts in making their spending and revenue transparent and easily accessible to the public.

“By providing meaningful financial data in addition to visual tools and analysis of its revenues and expenditures, Katy ISD’s Financial Services Department has shown a true commitment to Texas taxpayers. This effort achieves the goals set by my office’s Transparency Stars program,” Hegar said. “I am pleased to award Katy ISD a star for its accomplishments.”

The Comptroller’s office launched the Transparency Stars program in March to recognize cities, counties and school districts making important strides to greater government transparency. Local government entities can apply for stars in the areas of:

Traditional Finances

Contracts and Procurement

Economic Development

Public Pensions

Debt Obligations

After receiving an initial star for Traditional Finances, remaining stars may be awarded in any order. For more information on the program, including specific guidelines and information on how to apply, visit the Comptroller’s Transparency Stars website.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (May 9, 2017) – This year Katy Magazine “Women’s Issue” included “Katy’s Top 100 Women” and over 30 Katy ISD women, including teachers, principals, district staff and namesakes, were recognized.

The list was generated through community nominations and remained a secret until the magazine hit the stands and when social media posts started circulating the final list.

“We get the pleasure of seeing the passion of many of these women first-hand and the love they have for school children so we have a very high regard for local educators, principals, trustees and namesakes,” says Kirsten Cornell, lead associate editor for Katy Magazine. “There were so many other educators and staff that we want to include and will continue to find ways to celebrate and recognize these hardworking women.”

Katy ISD is very happy to work with Katy Magazine on a daily basis to recognize the positive stories taking place in our district. Next year Katy Magazine is working on an even bigger and better surprise for Katy women. Those interested in nominating a Katy ISD woman, may email editor@katymagazine.com with the person’s name and a paragraph as to why she is so special.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (May 3, 2017) – Alec, a year 13 student at the British International School of Houston has been awarded one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto. The school is located in Katy off of Westgreen Blvd. and Franz Rd.

The University of Toronto is currently ranked No. 1 in Canada and No. 16 in the world. This is University of Toronto’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship for international students and includes tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.

The scholarship provides an unparalleled opportunity for outstanding international students to study at one of the world’s best universities, in one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Alec will complete his International Baccalaureate studies this summer and enter University of Toronto’s Computer Engineering program this fall.

The scholarship program is intended to recognize and attract the world’s brightest students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school. A special emphasis is placed on the impact the student has had on the life of their school and community, and their future potential to contribute positively to the global community.

Andrew Derry, Principal of BISH commented, “I am extremely proud of all our graduates who have collaboratively been awarded over $1 million in scholarships this year, the equivalent of $100,000 per student. And in-particular, Alec, who received the coveted Lester B. Pearson Scholarship and exemplified the qualities of the scholarship. Our students are inspired to discover and realise their passions, we have ensured that BISH is a leader at the forefront of innovative education and that our students leave us fully prepared to compete and thrive on a global scale.”

Students at the BISH have access to the very best education including taking the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme that can lead them to some of the highest-ranking universities around the world, with successful pathways to scholarships. This is a demanding academic program and is widely recognized to be the most rigorous course of study for students. The IB is considered the framework for an international education that goes much deeper in meeting the needs of the changing world and is attributed to student academic success extending to the university application process. The BISH Class of 2017 are also celebrating university offer successes including Columbia University, Cambridge, Southampton, Newcastle, University College London, University of Glasgow, University of British Columbia, Baylor and University of Tulsa amongst others.

Courtesy of British International School of Houston

Katy, TX News (April 27, 2017) – Niche, an online ranking site for colleges, k-12 schools, and places to live, has ranked the Katy suburb of Cinco Ranch as the second best place to live in Texas for 2017. Coming in second only to Rollingwood, a suburb of Austin, Cinco Ranch was given four out of five starts for it’s safety, clean streets, schools, and friendly neighbors. View the Top 100 list below:

Katy, TX News (April 24, 2017) – Early voting for the May 6, 2017 election starts Monday, April 24 and ends on May 2. The Harris County Clerk’s office will conduct elections for eight political subdivisions serving over 900,000 registered voters in Harris County. Fifty-four additional political entities in Harris County will also conduct elections on the same day. The deadline to submit an application for a mail ballot is April 25.

Voters residing in the political entities in which the County Clerk is running the election can find sample ballots, the early voting schedule, and the election day polling locations at www.HarrisVotes.com. The County Clerk’s office is conducting elections for the City of Humble, City of Pasadena, Houston Independent School District, Humble Independent School District, Northgate Crossing Municipal Utility District 2, Northwest Harris County Municipal Utility District 28, Oakmont Public Utility District, Harris County Water Control & Improvement District 91.

Voters in the other political subdivisions within the county may visit the www.HarrisVotes.com website to find out if there is an election taking place in their area by searching via the “Find Your Poll” search engine. Over half of the county’s 2.2 million registered voters are eligible to vote in a May 6 election.

“Contact information for the political entities is provided via the “Find Your Poll” search engine on www.HarrisVotes.com.” said Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart, the county’s chief election officer. “Voters should communicate directly with political entities conducting their own elections to obtain more information about their elections and voting locations.”

For more information about the acceptable forms of photo identification and other means to vote at the poll, the requirements to vote by mail, the early voting period and voting on election day in the upcoming May elections, voters may visit www.HarrisVotes.com or call 713.755.6965.

Courtesy of the Harris County Clerk’s Office

Katy, TX News (April 20, 2017) – The Katy ISD Volunteer Celebration will be held in the Merrell Center on Friday, May 12th from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Hosted by Partners in Education and the Volunteers in Public Schools Executive Board, this annual event honors the thousands of school district volunteers who donate their time and talents to our students and teachers.

This year’s guest speaker is former NFL player and sportscaster Spencer Tillman. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Tillman was part of the 1985 National Championship team and won MVP of the Orange Bowl that year. He went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Houston Oilers and the Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 49ers. Tillman is now the Color Analyst for Fox Sports 1 alongside Tim Brando. He can be seen just about every College Football Saturday on FS1 and every NFL Sunday on KTRK, giving expert analysis on our Houston Texans. Off-camera, Spencer Tillman has been the featured keynote speaker at some of the country’s most notable companies.

The VIPS Celebration entertainment will include students from every high school, the West Memorial Junior High Theater Troupe and a surprise performance from one of the district’s principals. The morning will also honor the 2016-2017 Campus Volunteers of the Year and debut this year’s principal video homage to volunteers.
All Katy ISD volunteers are invited to attend and should RSVP no later than May 9th by visiting the “Community” page at www.katyisd.org and clicking “Partners in Education.” Doors will open at 8:15 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:00. For more information about the event, volunteers should contact their campus VIPS Liaison or marthabrown@katyisd.org.
Volunteers in Public Schools, a Katy ISD Partners in Education program, offers moms, dads, family and community members a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at their chosen campus. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org or contact your campus Volunteer Coordinator.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (April 19, 2017) – The dates for early voting and election day for the 2017 Katy ISD Board election have been announced. The Board is comprised of seven members who are elected at-large to fill available positions. In accordance with the provisions of the Texas Education Code, a person may not be elected as a trustee of Katy ISD unless the person is a qualified voter.

An individual seeking election as a member of the Board of Trustees must have been a resident of the state for 12 months and a resident of the District six months prior to the last date on which the candidate could file to be listed on the ballot. The following persons have filed as candidates for the upcoming election.

Katy, TX News (April 14, 2017) – Phaneendra Kondapi, a veteran engineering educator who helped develop the nation’s first subsea engineering program at the University of Houston, has been named founding director of engineering programs at the University of Houston at Katy.

Kondapi is returning to the University after serving as director of subsea engineering at Texas A&M University for the past year.

The UH Cullen College of Engineering began offering two energy-focused engineering courses at the Houston Community College (HCC) Northwest-Katy Campus last fall, in advance of the planned opening of a new UH System facility in Katy in 2018. The UH System site will be home to UH Katy and the University of Houston-Victoria at Katy. The graduate-level course offerings are focused on areas in high demand in Houston’s Energy Corridor, including petroleum, subsea, electrical and environmental engineering.

Five graduate-level classes will be offered at the HCC Katy campus this fall, in electrical engineering, subsea engineering and environmental engineering. Kondapi will teach one of the subsea courses, flow assurance.

“Dr. Kondapi was vital to developing the first subsea engineering program in the U.S. here at the Cullen College. I am tremendously proud that he will now help to bring our top-ranked engineering programs to the Katy community,” said Joseph. W. Tedesco, Elizabeth D. Rockwell Dean of the Cullen College of Engineering.

Kondapi taught the UH subsea engineering program’s inaugural course, flow assurance, in 2011, and has worked on to standardize global subsea education through the UH-led Global Subsea Education Alliance.

Formerly an adjunct professor of subsea engineering, Kondapi has more than 20 years of experience managing engineering projects at energy industry giants FMC Technologies and KBR.

He said he wants students to learn not just the technical material but to gain an enthusiasm for the field. “My motivation is to make my students successful by encouraging them to get ready for industry,” Kondapi said.

Kondapi was awarded the 2013 SPE Teaching Excellence Award from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) International, which recognizes petroleum engineering faculty who have demonstrated innovative teaching techniques and creative pedagogy methods in the classroom.

The HCC building in Katy is easily accessible for Energy Corridor professionals pursuing degrees or certificates to enhance their skills. “We are here in Katy to serve both the community and the industry to improve their technical and engineering careers,” Kondapi said.

Courtesy of the University of Houston and the Katy Area EDC

Katy, TX News (April 13, 2017) – Katy Independent School District has again received the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education for the 14th year. Katy ISD is one of 4% of school districts across the nation to receive this prestigious award.

Katy ISD is leading the way with music learning opportunities as outlined in the federal education legislation, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The District understands the importance of providing music education as part of the curriculum and knows the vital role music plays in the overall success of students in school and in life.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation honors school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in their efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, Texas News (April 11, 2017) – Katy High School invites you to celebrate the inaugural class of the Tiger Hall of Honor, which recognizes the efforts and contributions of former student athletes, athletic teams, coaches and special merit individuals who have brought distinction, honor and excellence to themselves and to the District. Honorees include Clint Black, William Haskett, Patricia Wardlaw, Nancy Wilson, Renee Zellweger, Andy Dalton and Darren McPherson.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (April 6, 2017) – Hard work and determination pays off for two Katy ISD students whose artwork advanced to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art auction.

McMeans Junior High eighth-grader Charles Jang’s artwork competed in the Grand Prix judging and won first place against students from over 100 districts. His project was a drawing titled “A Rare Connection.” This was the first year that a junior high student became auction eligible at this level. Jang’s artwork earned “Class Champion” recognition and auctioned off for $65,000.

The detailed work on Fatemeh Ebrahimi’s “Reserve Class Champion” three-dimensional sculpture caught the attention of buyers, who were out-bidding each other to purchase the unique piece. The Taylor High School eleventh-grader’s artwork is titled “The Spirit Within.” Only two entries for the three-dimensional category advanced to the art action where Ebrahimi’s work broke a world record and sold for $102,000.

Katy, Texas News (March 30, 2017) – Fort Bend County Libraries and Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner, Andy Meyers, will host the 4th Annual Literary and Fine Arts Festival & Parade on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Dr.). Fun for all ages, this annual community event celebrates the Fine Art & Literary talent of Fort Bend County Precinct 3 students. The day also includes a Character Parade where kids ages K-12 can dress up as their favorite story book character for a chance to win prizes, live entertainment from our local schools, animal adoptions, food trucks, tons of vendors, everything you need to know for 2017 Summer Camps, as well as a chance to meet & visit with local Police, K9 Unity, EMS & Fire Department. For more information, visit fortbendfafp.com.

Katy, Texas News (March 27, 2017) – The CRHS Engineering Club competed in its first ever Regional competition event as an affiliated member of the TSA (Technology Students Association). Students competed in a wide variety of events ranging from digital video production to structural engineering and biotechnology. The CRHS team advanced four students to the state level competition in Waco in April. Please congratulate the following students on their outstanding effort and success:

Music Production
Nikhil Baliga-1st Place and State Qualifier

Architectural Models
Aishani De & Shinjini De-3rd Place and State Qualifiers

Fashion Design
Alicia Morales-3rd Place and State Qualifier

Biotechnology-4th Place
Monica Raumaker
Addie Hervey
Ryan Dyson

Engineering Computer-Aided Design
Michael Weeks

Digital Video Production
Aishani De

Dragster Design
Christian Parrish
Jake O’Neill

Flight Endurance
Frederick Bayeh

Technology Bowl
Aleena Ilbeig
Maggie Weeks

This is the first year of existence for the CRHS Engineering Club TSA Chapter. Our immediate goals are to expand our membership, acquire sponsorship, and establish a tradition of excellence at TSA events. The club is open to all students who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Teacher sponsors are Maria Scott, Jay Patel, and Rafael Villarreal.

Courtesy of Cinco Ranch High School

Katy, Texas News (March 23, 2017) – After months of practice, 19 teams from Katy ISD have qualified to compete at the Texas Destination Imagination Affiliate Tournament held at Lubbock ISD on April 7-9.

The Gulf Coast Regional Tournament was held on Saturday, March 4th at Seven Lakes High School. Schools representing the Cy-Fair, Fort Bend, Pasadena, Friendswood and Alvin Independent School Districts along with area private schools attended the annual event. Approximately 375 teams competed in eight different challenges. The following Katy ISD schools are preparing to compete against more than 400 teams from districts throughout Texas:

The Destination Imagination program fosters students’ creativity, courage and curiosity through open-ended academic challenges in the fields of S.T.E.M (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), fine arts and service learning. Participants learn patience, flexibility, persistence, ethics, respect for others and their ideas and the collaborative problem solving process. In Katy ISD, Destination Imagination teams form at participating campuses each September.

Katy, TX News (March 24, 2017) – Katy ISD has released their pre-registration dates for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and new first grade. Pre-registration for the 2017-2018 school year will be held on the following dates:

Thursday, April 6, 2017
Kindergarten and new first grade

Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Pre-Kindergarten

Registration will be open from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on both days. Attendance zone information for all Katy ISD schools can be found by using the Student Assignment by Residential Address (SARA) application or mobile app. This app provides the ability to search by a specific address or you can select any campus to see what subdivisions and apartment complexes it serves. Visit katyisd.org for more information.

Senate Bill 3, a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, now heads to the full Senate, where it’s also expected to pass. Corresponding bills have not been taken up by the House Public Education Committee.

Thursday’s vote came two days after a committee hearing that lasted more than eight hours, with more than 150 people filling the room to testify in support and opposition. The bill’s author, Senate Education Chairman Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, submitted a new version of the bill that he said would decrease the cost of the programs.

“We are continuing to work on this bill when we get out of this committee. We will work with you as well as all the members who are on the Senate floor,” he said Thursday.

The first program created in the bill, education savings accounts or ESAs, would give parents online accounts of state money to pay for private school tuition or homeschooling expenses.

The second program, tax credit scholarships, would allow businesses to receive credits against their insurance premium taxes if they contribute to approved scholarship organizations.

The fiscal note attached to the previous version of the bill said it would cost the state $90 million to $330 million in general revenue in the next biennium, depending on the payment schedule. The newer version of the bill would take the cost to the lower end of that range, according to testimony Thursday from the Legislative Budget Board. The board does not yet have a fiscal note with exact numbers.

Proponents of private tuition subsidies say they allow parents flexibility on how to get the best education for their children. They argued Tuesday that parents keep private schools in check by leaving those that are doing a bad job — therefore, state accountability is not needed.

Opponents of the bill argue that competition does not work when it comes to education, and that schools receiving public money should be accountable to the state.

“Those who go and take public money in public schools will have some of the most stringent accountability standards in the country, and those who get public money under Senate Bill 3 will have none,” said Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, Thursday before he voted against the bill. Sens. Royce West, D-Dallas, and Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, also voted against the bill.

The programs proposed in Senate Bill 3 would offer money to public school students to leave the system for private schools or homeschooling.

Sen. Van Taylor, R-Plano, who voted for the measure, argued that would help school districts, especially those growing so quickly that they are having trouble funding the additional enrollment. “There actually will be more money per child in the public education system in Texas,” he said. “Slowing the rate of growth is actually operationally advantageous to the districts I represent.”

But public educators disagree with Taylor’s math, saying that the programs would cost the state money, and not significantly reduce the amount schools need to spend.

“Children don’t leave in perfect groups of 22 or 25, allowing a district to then need one less teacher. Even if they left in those groups, all of the other costs to operate a facility and run a quality school don’t go away,” said Guy Sconzo, executive director of the Fast Growth School Coalition, a group of 75 school districts seeing the quickest enrollment growth in Texas.

Public education advocates have urged the Legislature to focus on putting more funding into the public school system, and allocating that money equitably.

“SB3’s voucher scheme will drain tax dollars from public education, without helping families most in need. Instead the Legislature should focus on the real issue – remodeling Texas’ outdated school finance system to ensure all Texas students can get a quality public education, no matter where they live or what their background,” said Ann Beeson, executive director of the left-leaning policy group Center for Public Policy Priorities, in a statement after the vote.

Read related Tribune coverage here:

Tuesday’s Senate Education Committee debate on private school subsidies lasted more than seven hours and saw experts on both sides arguing they knew best how to educate black and Latino Texas students.

Rural conservatives and homeschoolers are joining forces with public education advocates against Senate Bill 3, which pushes private school choice. Their state senators are not all on the same page.

Disclosure: The Fast Growth School Coalition and the Center for Public Policy Priorities have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.

Katy, Texas News (March 23, 2017) – Theatre Under the Stars has announced the nominations for the 15th annual Tommy Tune Awards, honoring the best in Houston’s high school musical productions, actors, and artists. Seven Lakes High School’s Studio VII is nominated in several categories for their production of the popular musical “Big Fish” including:

Best Leading Actor, Ben Heintz as Edward Bloom

Best Scenic Design

Best Lighting Design

Best Stage Crew & Technical Execution

Best Musical Direction

Best Orchestra

The winners in each category will be announced on April 18, 2017 in a special ceremony.

Katy, TX News (March 2, 2017) – Katy ISD has launched a strategic design process to create a community-inspired road map for its schools over the next three to five years. Recently, a series of stakeholder meetings were held to gather baseline data from parents, business leaders, principals, teachers, clergy and students on where the District is currently and where the community hopes for the District to be in the near future. The next steps in the strategic design process begins this week as Katy ISD hosts two of four education summits to provide the community an opportunity to share their highest hopes and aspirations for their children. The dates, times and locations for all of the education summits are listed below.

Katy, TX News (March 16, 2017) – Club SciKidz Houston, a franchise of Georgia-based, Club SciKidz, LLC is proud to announce its expansion into Katy, TX. With two Sugar Land, TX locations at Faith Lutheran Church and Fisher’s of Men Lutheran Church, Club SciKidz Houston is currently accepting Summer Day Camp registrations for its CrossPoint Community Church location at 700 S. Westgreen Blvd.

Club SciKidz Houston features in-school field trips, after school programs and summer day camp sessions for grades PK – 8 (or ages 4 – 15). While the week-long summer day camps are at churches, Club SciKidz also provides its other services at both public and private schools and day care centers.

Club SciKidz was founded on the principle that parents want to provide their children with exciting, challenging and life impacting academic enrichment experiences. The company is committed to demonstrating how science works in the real world by providing activities in veterinary medicine, robotics, forensics, video game creation, food science, paleontology, engineering, chemistry and biology.

Club SciKidz Houston believes every child is a scientist and that we can make them even better scientists. All Club SciKidz Houston programs are focused on dramatic science demonstrations accompanied by hands-on/minds- on experiments and projects that meet or exceed National Science Education Standards and College and Career Standards.

For Summer 2017, Club SciKidz Houston will feature many more enhanced programs. Introduction to Java, Little coder, and Dash and Dot camps allow early experiences with computer coding. Additionally, camps Tech machines, Jr. Meteorology, QuadCopter Aerial Robotics, Mobile Game Design, and Water Robotics will immerse students in engineering and robotics. All of these camps can now be found in either Katy or Sugar Land, TX.

Club SciKidz Houston is the most unique provider of science enrichment programs for children. It offers authentic, immersive, and application based experiences. Parents of previous Club SciKidz Houston participants said, ” I like the variety of experiments my kids were exposed to and how actively engaged they were!” and “your summer programs are excellent!”

Club SciKiz Houston is “Where Science and Technology Connect!” With over 40 offerings, we’re sure there is a camp for your little scientist or engineer! Please check our website for all options.

Club SciKidz Houston will be featured at the Kids Directory booth at the McDonald’s Children Festival on April 1 – 2 from 10AM – 2:30PM. To learn more, stop by booth or feel free to contact us via the information found below:

Katy, TX News (March 10, 2017) – The British International School of Houston (BISH) varsity boys’ soccer team played an impressive game and won the 2017 TAPPS Texas Division III State Soccer Championship title against Dallas Covenant with a final score of 5-2. The team notably played 21 matches over four months before winning this coveted title. Over the last six years they have been district champions four times and state champions twice.

TAPPS, Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS), has a membership of 230 schools throughout Texas who regularly compete with one another in athletic events. TAPPS commits to building leadership, fellowship, fair play and sportsmanship of students enrolled in the organization’s member schools in the areas of academics, athletics and fine arts by providing wholesome competition for young men and women.

Andrew Derry, Principal of BISH commented, “I am extremely proud of our team and our students’ success, which was achieved through determination and resilience, epitomizing our core values of unity, respect and pride. At BISH we believe all children are ambitious by nature and can achieve their greatest aspirations with support and access to an exemplary global education.”

BISH provides a nurturing environment with a world-class learning approach that is grounded in each student’s unique experiences, capabilities and interests. This combined with a brand-new campus, purposely designed to support student achievement, allows the school to extend learning beyond the classroom through a wide variety of academic and athletic activities.

About British International School of Houston

The British International School of Houston (BISH) is an independent school catering to local and international students from Pre-K to 12th Grade. Part of Nord Anglia Education Inc., the school offers a challenging, broad course of study that culminates with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). Student learning is supported by collaborations with The Juilliard School in New York and MIT. Our new Katy campus spans 34-acres and features purpose driven technology supported by Apple, customizable maker spaces, state-of-the-art science labs, four athletic fields, an aquatic center, two NCAA regulation size gymnasiums, and a 550-seat performing arts theater designed in collaboration with Juilliard. Conveniently located off IH10 at N. Westgreen Boulevard and just minutes from the Grand Parkway, the school is accessible to families residing in major cities across the Greater Houston Area, including Houston, The Woodlands and Sugar Land. Visit www.houston.nae.school to learn more.

About Nord Anglia Education, Inc.

Nord Anglia Education (NYSE: NORD) is the world’s leading operator of premium international schools, serving students from kindergarten through the end of secondary school (K-12). We teach over 37,000 students at our 43 premium schools in China, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia and North America. We are driven by one unifying philosophy – we are ambitious for our students, our people and our family of schools. Our schools deliver a high-quality education through a personalized approach enhanced with unique global opportunities to enable every student to succeed. Nord Anglia Education is headquartered in Hong Kong. Our website is www.nordangliaeducation.com.

Katy, TX News (March 6, 2017) – Katy ISD will host the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus for a special one-day event. The tour bus is a state-of-the-art mobile audio and HD video recording and production facility. It allows students to write, record and produce songs, music videos and documentaries among other digital media projects – all in one day.

Selected students from the Miller Career & Technology Center will have the opportunity to create an original student project, while they also remember the legendary singer-songwriter, John Lennon.

Over 400 Katy ISD students will have the chance to record in the state-of-the-art mobile audio and HD video facility, and will form a human peace sign, paying homage to the legendary John Lennon of The Beatles.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (February 28, 2017) – Katy ISD welcomes Todd McVey as the new Head Football Coach/Campus Athletic Coordinator at Obra D. Tompkins High School. Coach McVey is currently serving as an Assistant Athletic Director for Katy ISD, and the Interim Head Coach at Tompkins. He has been the Head Coach and Athletic Coordinator at McKinney HS and Killeen Harker Heights. He was also a member of the staff at Texas City High school when they won the 4A state championship in 1997. The Falcons will introduce Mr. McVey to the Tompkins community at 7 p.m. in the Main Commons on Thursday, March 2.

Katy, TX News (February 27, 2017) – With a unanimous vote of 7-0, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees approved tonight “Legacy Stadium” as the new name for the Student Activity Facility: Second Stadium. Additionally and as part of public recommendation, the field will be named after former coach Mike Johnston. This state of the art, cost efficient, multipurpose school facility will open up Fall of 2017, thanks to the 2014 voter-approved bond program and it will be part of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Complex.

“It’s an honor to recognize all the former legacies which continue to inspire our students,” says Rebecca Fox, Katy ISD Board President. “Coach Johnston is a perfect example of an individual who continues to pour out his love and dedication for the future generation.”

This February, the Second Stadium Naming Advisory Committee was tasked with identifying a suitable name for the Second Stadium, which would align with the values and core believes of Katy ISD. The committee began with a solicitation of name nominations from the Katy ISD community, which was open from February 8-17. After careful review, a recommendation was presented during the Board of Trustees Work Study Meeting on Tuesday, February 21. District officials were happy to see dozens of attendees at the public forum offered for parents, teachers, staff and community input.

The Second Stadium is being built not just for the districts 75,000+ Katy ISD students, but for the entire community.

Texas PTA’s most prestigious membership award, the Voice for Every Child Award honors PTAs that strive to have one voice (one member) for every child on campus. The Pattison Elementary PTA was recognized at the Platinum level for recruiting at least one member per enrolled student, or 100% of student enrollment. The PTAs at Alexander Elementary, Holland Elementary, Kilpatrick Elementary, Rylander Elementary and Stanley Elementary were also recognized.

During Holbrook’s visit and tour of Pattison Elementary, she lauded the PTA for being the “lifeblood of the campus.”

“On behalf of Texas PTA – thank you,” said Holbrook. “We truly appreciate all you do to support and engage the teachers, staff, students and their families, and the community as a whole.”

The Pattison Elementary PTA also is a recipient of Texas PTA’s 2015/2016 Head Start Award, Golden Apple Award, Men Are Really Super Award and Student Membership Award.

Katy, TX News (February 21, 2017) –Katy ISD had 30 high school students win awards at the 2017 Farrington Contest and Awards, sponsored by the Houston Area Teachers of Foreign Language. This included six students who took home first place prizes in Spanish Advanced, Spanish Intermediate, German 2, German 3 and American Sign Language.

More than 200 Houston-area students participated in the language competition and schools were allowed to send three students from each language level. Participants completed a language exam including reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (February 17, 2017) – The Cinco Ranch High School String Quartet have the privilege of joining the professional actors on stage to add an element of orchestral texture to “In My Life,” the musical retelling of the Beatles story. The musical, told through the eyes of manager Brian Epstein, features the live music of renowned tribute band Abbey Road.

Cinco Ranch High seniors Aidan Gettemy and Daniela Melo, junior Janet Li and sophomore Joshua Jung will join the band for the songs “Eleanor Rigby,” “Yesterday,” “A Day in the Life,” “Hello Goodbye,” and “Hey Jude.” In a special touch, “Yesterday” is played as a scene in which the Paul McCartney character plays the song for the first time for Beatles producer George Martin, with the songwriter explaining that he envisioned a string-quartet accompaniment.

The smash hit production performs at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts – Zilkha Hall on March 17 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $33- $64, plus applicable ticket fees, and may be purchased online at www.thehobbycenter.org, by phone at 713.315.2525 or at the Hobby Center Box Office. The show is appropriate for all ages.

Mensah and Paz were selected by their peers for their ability and willingness to make meaningful contributions to education, their desire for continuous personal and professional growth, and their ability to inspire Katy ISD students and staff.

They will be recognized along with campus administrators from school districts in the surrounding area at the Region IV Principal Recognition ceremony on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at Hotel ZaZa.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (February 15, 2017) – The Conservatory of Music at Cinco Ranch is proud to announce that it has been selected as the new Assessment Center of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program for the greater Houston area.

The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program provides a recognized national standard of musical success through an effectively sequenced course of study from beginner to advanced levels. The Music Development Program was developed by the acclaimed Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada, and was created in response to feedback from parents and teachers throughout the US, requesting a top-quality nationally-recognized system to track students’ musical progress, celebrating their accomplishments.

The Program centers on periodic assessments for students—one-on-one adjudicator-to-student performance evaluations that also function as valuable teaching and learning opportunities. In each practical assessment, a certified professional adjudicator evaluates a student’s performance of repertoire, studies (etudes), and musical proficiency skills. Assessments are offered for keyboard, string, woodwind, and brass instruments; voice; and the academic subjects of music theory, music history, and pedagogy.

“It was an honor to have been named as a Founding School of the Music Development Program back in 2012,” says Dr. Michael Guevara, manager of the The Conservatory of Music at Cinco Ranch. “Now, having been selected as the Assessment Center for the Music Development Program in the Houston area, this honor further solidifies our desire to offer access to the finest in music education within our community. Students who participate in this program will be provided with experiences and skills that will benefit them now and into the future.”
Assessments are held several times a year at locations across the US. For a list of upcoming assessment session dates and registration information, please visit www.MusicDevelopmentProgram.org.

Katy, TX News (February 10, 2017) – Katy ISD will celebrate the time, effort and heart of KEYS mentors — while supporting KEYS Scholarships — at Ties & Tiaras on March 9th from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at NOAH’S of Katy. This year’s festivities include honoring the 2017 Mentors of the Year and KEYS Scholarship Sponsors, along with entertainment provided by a stringed ensemble from Tompkins High School. Also joining the event will be the Cinco Ranch High School student artists who created this year’s KEYS scholarship masterpiece.

Every year Ties & Tiaras honors Katy ISD’s family of mentors, who spend up to one hour each week with their students. In particular, the event recognizes a few individuals who’ve sustained relationships and dedication to the KEYS program year after year. The Katy ISD 2017 Mentors of the Year, and their respective KEYS campuses, are:

Fred Crist, McDonald Junior High

Kevin Drury, Rylander Elementary

James Grima, Wolfe Elementary

Kirsten Hampshire, Seven Lakes High School

Steven Herold, Bear Creek Elementary

Don Mach, Taylor High School

Karen Morey, Hayes Elementary

Donna Ortiz, Cardiff Junior High

Susan Reilly, Katy High School

Collectively, this group represents 51 years of service to the KEYS program, having mentored a total of 35 students between them.

Since its inception in 2006, the KEYS Scholarship Fund has awarded over $300,000 to graduating KEYS seniors. KEYS – Keep Encouraging Youth toward Success – is a relationship initiative that matches a caring adult with a student on the brink of success for up to one hour a week, during the school day, during the school year. Piloted during the 1995-1996 school year, this program now extends to every campus in Katy ISD. KEYS is not a tutoring program, but rather a relationship program, with many mentors and their students sustaining their friendship year after year. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org or contact Martha Brown, 281-396-2468, marthabrown@katyisd.org.

About Katy ISD Partners in Education – Katy ISD Partners in Education creates school-support opportunities for parents, businesses and the community by offering a wide variety of options amenable to every schedule, talent and expertise. We bring volunteers into Katy ISD classrooms at each campus and all grade levels. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (February 9, 2017) – Katy ISD is now accepting nominations for the naming of the Student Activity Facility: Second Stadium, set to open Fall 2017. Katy ISD will be providing its community with a state of the art, cost efficient, multipurpose second stadium as part of its 2014 Bond.

Individuals interested in submitting a name are asked to review the Katy ISD Board Policy CW (Local) for specific facility naming guidelines, and submit a completed Nomination for Naming a New School or Facility Form. Click here for guidelines and form.

The public may submit the Nomination for Naming a New School or Facility Form and all supplementary materials in the following manner:

Courtesy of Katy ISD Communications

Katy, TX News (January 31, 2017) – National Letter of Intent Signing Day is February 1, 2017. Several Katy ISD high school athletes, accompanied by their family, friends and Katy ISD staff, will be signing a binding letter of intent offered by distinct college teams from across the United States. Below are the times for signing day at each school:

Katy, TX News (January 31, 2017) – Dr. James M. Jacobs and Associates with Your Total Foot Care Specialist, are pleased to announce two $1,500 “Stepping into the Future” scholarships for 2017 KISD graduating seniors. Applications must be submitted to the offices of Your Total Foot Care Specialist by March 31, 2017, 5:00 p.m. A third party committee will select the two winning applicants.

“We are proud to be a part of the Katy community and are honored to be able to give back to the community by encouraging future generations to reach and accomplish their dreams”, says Dr. James Jacobs. Your Total Foot Care Specialist has been proudly serving the Katy area for over 25 years to help resolve their patients foot care needs.

The “Stepping into the Future” scholarship program is available to seniors graduating with GPA’s ranging from 2.5 to 3.7. Our doctors were able to graduate from undergraduate and then podiatric medical school through the use of scholarships, grants, and loans. The two “Stepping into the Future” scholarship recipients will be announced at the Katy ISD Awards Ceremonies during May.

It’s no secret that Katy ISD is considered one of the most successful school districts in the country due to a robust curriculum and the wealth of opportunities available to our students. Likewise, our parents and community members take great pride in supporting our kids and schools and value the role we all play in building the legacy.

As we have all seen, with great success comes rapid growth. For the past several decades Katy ISD has been planning for it and closely monitoring student projections presented by our demographers. Trustees have been engaged in ongoing discussions focused on how best to continue providing the education our students need for a successful future, in light of the fast flow of development in this area. This is especially true in the southwest and northwest quadrants of the District. Earlier this month, the Board approved a charter for a Community Bond Advisory Committee that would be responsible for developing and providing a proposed 2017 bond referendum for the Board’s consideration.

However, for a bond package to effectively meet the needs of students and families, it has to be community driven, as we hope this one will be. Remember, Katy ISD and its future belongs to you!

If you would like to serve on the Katy ISD 2017 Community Bond Advisory Committee, the Board and I invite you to complete a Committee application, which will be available online at www.katyisd.org, beginning Wednesday, February 1, 2017. As members of the Katy community, let’s continue to play an active role in supporting the children of the next generation. Join me and Katy ISD, as we continue building our legacy!

Courtesy of Katy ISD

As you may be aware, it is anticipated that the Katy ISD Instructional Calendar will look a little different beginning with the 2017-18 school year.

State law currently prohibits a school start date before the fourth Monday in August. Faced with the annual challenges imposed by this start date, our Katy Improvement Council, along with staff, explored ways in which we might better meet the identified needs of our students and families. This led the District to pursue a District of Innovation (DOI) designation by the state which allows for greater local control and flexibility in constructing the school calendar.

As a result, we are now able to develop and consider other instructional calendar options beginning with the 2017-18 school year. However, before moving forward with approving a new 2017-18 Instructional Calendar, the Board of Trustees would like your feedback on the two calendar options presented in this survey that best meets your needs and those of our Katy community.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (January 18, 2017) – Katy ISD is pleased to announce the addition of Ron Counter and B.J. William Gotte as our new Campus Athletic Coordinator/Head Football Coach’s for Morton Ranch High School and Paetow High School. Both positions were approved unanimously during the Katy ISD Board of Trustees Work Study meeting tonight.

Coach Counter comes to Morton Ranch High from Stafford High where he was the head football coach and athletic director for the last four years. During his time at Stafford, Coach Counter led the program into the playoffs four years in a row. Prior to Stafford, Coach Counter made coaching stops at Strake Jesuit High, Round Rock Westwood High, Spring Woods High, Alief Hastings High and Klein Oak High. Coach Counter has also received several “Coach of the Year” honors.

For Coach Gotte, moving to Paetow High School means staying close to home. Growing up he attended Cimarron Elementary, West Memorial Junior High and graduated “class of ’97” at Katy High School, which is where he also began his career in 2001. Coach Gotte made stops at Deer Park High, La Marque High and Flower Mound Marcus High prior to returning to Katy High in 2009. His role as an Offensive Coordinator at Katy High School has played an integral part in winning three state championships.

The Katy ISD Athletic Department is excited to welcome both coaches to these new endeavors within the Katy ISD family. Both coaches will begin this new journey on February 1st.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (January 17, 2017) – The Galleria and Katy Mills are once again proud to help a deserving graduating senior pay for college. Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit that provides educational opportunities for at-risk high school students, is now looking for qualified applicants who live near The Galleria, Katy Mills and the surrounding community.

Each year, Simon Youth Community Scholarships are awarded in every community across the country that is home to Simon, Mills, or Premium Outlets malls. The application period has begun and ends on March 1, 2017.Students can apply online by visiting syf.org/scholarships.

SYF will award 25 scholarships to students graduating in the class of 2017 who live in communities surrounding any Premium Outlets mall nationwide. No more than one scholarship will be awarded per property. Recipients will receive up to $1,500 to enroll in an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school.

In addition, an “Award of Excellence” will be given to the top candidate from among the scholarship applicants that represent the nationwide Premium Outlets locations. That student will receive a $10,000 award ($2,500 for up to four years).

In 2016, the Simon Youth Foundation awarded $1.2 million to 300 students nationwide.

“The cost of college continues to rise, and SYF is proud to partner with The Galleria and Katy Mills to award scholarships that will remove some of the financial obstacles that could otherwise prevent a student from achieving the dream of a college education,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, SYF President and CEO.

The 2017 SYF Community Scholarship recipients will be selected by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS), a third-party administrator. Students are selected based on a variety of criteria, including financial need, academic performance, leadership skills and participation in school and community activities. Those students who are the first in their family to pursue a post secondary education will also be given close consideration.

Recipients will be notified in May.

Courtesy of the Simon Youth Foundation

KATY, TX News (January 11, 2017) –According to the Girl Scout Research Institute’s (GSRI) report, The Power of the Girl Scout Gold Award: Excellence in Leadership and Life, Girl Scout Gold Award recipients receive greater lifetime benefits than their peers with regard to positive sense of self, life satisfaction, leadership, life success, community service, and civic engagement thanks to their experience in Girl Scouting, including earning their Gold Award.

Chloe Bartine, a senior at Seven Lakes High School, has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. The award recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable community service projects that require a minimum of 80 hours to complete. Less than five percent of Girl Scouts earn the award.

To earn the award, Bartine designed and built two Little Free Libraries for Neighborhood Kidz Club in the communities of Western Pines and Trinity Hunters Place located in Katy, Texas. Bartine’s goal was to address the learning gaps that occur over the summer or holiday breaks when children do not have access to books.

“The Little Free Library is open all the time and the books are free,” said Bartine. “It is a way to promote literacy and nurture the love of reading through sharing.”

To stock the libraries with books, Bartine also hosted a book drive and led more than 15 volunteers to complete this project.

Bartine has served as a volunteer for Neighborhood Kidz Club’s summer reading program the past few summers and said that the kids love having access to books to read during that time.

“I have always loved to read and feel that books can take you places you have never been, help you find the answers to questions you may have and give you opportunities to dream and explore,” said Bartine. “I wanted to give the kids an opportunity to be able to read any time.”

Through earning the Gold Award, Bartine learned the importance of leadership and how it directly affects the success of the project, patience and how to be more organized and attentive to the needs of the project.

After graduation, Bartine will attend the University of Alabama to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in dance.

Katy, TX News (January 6, 2017) In a letter to parents, Dr. Lance Hindt, Ed. D., Superintendent of Katy ISD, addressed the validity of the unofficial letter grade ratings released by the TEA.

“Dear Katy ISD Parents and Community,

Today, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will release unofficial letter grades for every campus and district throughout the state — a requirement of House Bill 2804. This unofficial ratings report is considered a trial run for the new 2017-18 accountability system and is designed to provide districts with a benchmark to track progress and make improvements ahead of releasing the official August 2018 ratings.

It is no secret that Katy ISD is one of the best school districts in the state, consistently earning TEA’s highest accountability rating year after year. In addition, our community is highly regarded for its family values and business growth. However, I and many others believe that TEA’s new methodology for calculating ratings does not accurately reflect where we are as a district and community. In fact, the unofficial ratings show that our district and some of our schools have received less than average ratings in one or more areas (see FAQs for more information on House Bill 2804).

Please know that our Board and staff is committed to ensuring that all students are provided exceptional learning opportunities, programs and facilities. While we will continue to use data to drive student achievement, we are also mindful of the flaws that communities across the state have pinpointed in the current and future accountability systems. Nevertheless, we are encouraged that the TEA will use this preliminary data to continue refining its methodology for calculating letter grades before releasing the official August 2018 A-F accountability reports.

As you may have seen in the 2016-17 Legislative Priorities adopted by the Board, we believe that the educational needs of our children and community would be better served if school districts were allowed greater local input and control. Over the course of the school year, we hope that our parents and community will join the Board of Trustees in advocating the legislature for an accountability system that streamlines the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills and suspends the punitive components of the flawed ratings system.

Our parents, staff and community, are the key ingredient behind the success of our students. Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to navigate and work through the 2017-18 accountability system and its new measures.

Should you have any additional questions, please contact your campus or the Parent and Patron Assistance Center at (281) 396-2441/ ppac@katyisd.org.

Remember, our shared goal is to prepare Katy ISD students for a successful future. The part of our mission statement that reads, “…together with family and community,” means that we all play an important role in reaching that goal.”

Be the legacy!

Lance Hindt, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX News (January 5, 2017) The University of Houston-Victoria is starting the new year with a new ranking as one of the best Texas universities to earn an online degree. Value Colleges recently listed UHV as a 2017 Top 10 Best Online College in Texas.

“UHV leaders realized early on that significant numbers of our students were unable to take a traditional, face-to-face class schedule,” says David Cockrum, UHV interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “If they couldn’t come to us, we wanted to come to them. The university has spent a lot of time and energy coming up with effective ways to teach online. This ranking reaffirms that what we are doing is working and that UHV’s online education remains a great value.”

Value Colleges, a group that offers answers to questions about affordability and value when making college decisions, compiled the list for prospective students in Texas. To make the list, institutions had to offer tuition of less than $15,000 a year. The group also takes into account accreditations and the return on investment for graduates.

The top-10 list is in no particular order. It includes one other UH System School, UH-Downtown, as well as Texas A&M University and two University of Texas System universities. UHV has the third-most affordable tuition of any school on the list.

All three UHV schools – Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development – offer programs that can be completed totally online or through a mixture of online and face-to-face classes in Victoria or at the UHV Katy Campus.

“One compliment we often hear is that our online students truly feel like they are part of a class even if they aren’t physically present in a classroom,” Cockrum said. “This is because of all the virtual class discussions and activities implemented in our online classes. Students get to know one another and have meaningful interactions with professors.”

Katy, TX (December 13, 2016) During the Regular Meeting, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees approved the attendance boundary modifications (ABMs) presented to them on December 5, in preparation for the opening of Bryant Elementary, Stockdick Junior High and Paetow High School.

The approved ABM maps, which are designed to help balance enrollment at overcrowded campuses and ensure all students have equal access to a high quality education, were updated based on the feedback provided by the public through the survey and other reviews of campuses that are currently overcrowded.

These ABMs will impact Morton Ranch High School, Katy High School, Katy Junior High, McDonald Junior High, Katy Elementary and Wolman Elementary. A letter will be mailed directly to all the impacted families by the end of January 2017.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX (December 7, 2016) – Chick-fil-A customers nationwide helped select the recipients of more than $1.1 million in grants, thanks to the new Chick-fil-A One app. The 2017 True Inspiration Awards honor and provide financial support to 22 not-for-profits in 16 states to help further their work with youth, fostering leadership skills and developing an entrepreneurial spirit. For the first time since the awards program began in 2014, Chick-fil-A utilized its new mobile app to allow customers to vote for organizations in their local communities. As a result, the Katy ISD Education Foundation was selected as a $15,000 award recipient.

Chick-fil-A’s True Inspiration awards recognizes community organizations that align with the Chick-fil-A Foundation’s mission to enable children to be all they were created to be. The Katy ISD Education Foundation rewards teacher inspiration of students by funding innovative classroom projects that go beyond district budget limitations. The Foundation was nominated by local Chick-fil-A operator, Rusty Wylie who says, “Our community has more than its fair share of the brightest kids around. If we can help our children develop a love for learning while giving them hands-on, fun educational experiences, we’ll give them the tools and encouragement they need to be great leaders. I’m just grateful Chick-fil-A can be a part of what is great about our community.”

Source: Chick-fil-A Katy Marketing

Katy, TX (December 1, 2016) This month, 181 community and business members from across Katy came together to bring the love of reading into almost 400 Katy ISD classrooms during Promise to Read. The annual initiative is part of a 19-year-old tradition led by Katy ISD’s Partners in Education. Promise to Read affords the community a unique opportunity to reacquaint themselves with the world of children’s literature by spending 30 minutes reading to a classroom of excited elementary students. Each November the program is offered over the course of two weeks at various elementary campuses.

This year’s Promise to Read was hosted at Bear Creek, Hutsell, Exley, Randolph, Williams, Davidson, Morton Ranch, Kilpatrick, Pattison and Wilson Elementary Schools. Host campuses rotate each year so that, over a four-year period, every Katy ISD elementary has an opportunity to participate.

“Promise to Read has become a treasured community event thanks to hundreds of devoted community volunteers, many of whom join us every year, and our Katy ISD host campuses,” says Janet Theis, Katy ISD’s Director of Community Partnerships. “Promise to Read continues to open the door for our business community to embrace and inspire the love of reading and share that magic with classrooms across the district.”

About Katy ISD Partners in Education – Through programs like Promise to Read, Katy ISD Partners in Education creates school-support opportunities for parents, businesses and the community by offering a wide variety of options amenable to every schedule, talent and expertise. We bring volunteers into Katy ISD classrooms at each campus and all grade levels. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org.

Courtesy of Katy ISD Partners in Education

Katy, TX (November 21, 2016) During the Work Study meeting on Monday, the Board of Trustees discussed attendance boundary modifications (ABMs) to help balance enrollment and prepare for the opening of three new campuses (Bryant Elementary, Stockdick Junior High and Paetow High School) in the fall of 2017.

Based on the preliminary ABMs discussed, the following schools would be impacted: Wolman Elementary, Katy Elementary, McDonald Junior High, Katy Junior High, Morton Ranch High School and Katy High School.

In an effort to gather feedback from the public on the proposed ABMs, the Board encourages everyone to complete the online survey, available in English and Spanish, from November 15 – 30. Hard copies of the survey are also available at all campuses.

A final recommendation will be presented to the Board on December 5. For more information and FAQs regarding ABMs, click here.

Courtesy of Katy ISD

Katy, TX (November 11, 2016) The University of Houston System (UHS) has completed the purchase of 46 acres of land in Katy from Parkside Capital. The land is located at the northeast corner of I-10 and the Grand Parkway and will be developed into a campus serving West Houston. Academic programs from two UH System universities, the University of Houston and the University of Houston-Victoria, will be offered at the new campus.

The 46 acres purchased by the UH System is part of a larger 125-acre site that UHS and Parkside Capital have rebranded as University Center, a master-planned, deed restricted, mixed-use development. Parkside Capital will soon begin design and construction of all interior infrastructure including streets, utilities, lighting and landscaping.

“We are excited to welcome the University of Houston and UH-Victoria to University Center,” said John S. Moody, Parkside Capital CEO. “We look forward to working with the UH System to create a first-class environment.”

The UH System will construct an 80,000-square-foot building at University Center, expected to open for fall 2019. The project is in the design phase, and construction is expected to begin in August 2017. The campus is expected to initially serve 2,000 students, but the master plan includes 500,000-square-feet of space that will eventually be able to accommodate 8,000 to 10,000 students.

“Residents in this area have a need for higher education, but it can be a hardship to travel all the way across Houston in order to go to school,” said Paula Myrick Short, UH System vice chancellor for academic affairs. “The UH System’s expansion will give residents in parts of Harris, Fort Bend and Waller counties an opportunity to earn their degrees closer to home.”

Expanding higher education opportunities in West Houston has long been a priority for regional leaders and the UH System, which has offered programs in the area for 30 years. UH and UHV both offer classes in Katy at separate leased locations. They previously offered academic programming at the System’s Cinco Ranch site, which is being sold.

The purchase of the land and the construction of the building in Katy are funded by $46.8 million in Capital Construction Bonds approved during the 84th session of the Texas Legislature. The UH System assembled a task force to assess the educational needs of West Houston, and an independent demography study was conducted to determine the ideal location of a campus that would be accessible and visible.

“This site is well-suited to meet our needs,” said Short. “It allows the System room to grow strategically with the population increase that is expected in this area.”

According to data from the Katy Area Economic Development Council, the population of the Katy area is expected to increase from 317,000 residents to 550,000 within the next 20 years, and about 200 companies are headquartered there, including many in the energy sector.

Courtesy of University of Houston System

Katy, TX (October 31, 2016) The Katy ISD Partners in Education department is once again inviting the community to support families in need this holiday season. Food for Families is an annual campaign that provides $50 grocery gift cards to Katy ISD students and their families. Principals from every Katy ISD campus identify students in need of assistance, and the gift cards are given to those students before winter break. Last year, our Katy ISD community raised $25,000 to support students and their families during the holidays. Since its inception in 2002, this initiative has blessed over 3,000 Katy ISD families thanks to the generous support of our community.

Those interested in participating may contribute cash or check by Thursday, Dec. 8. Donations of any amount are welcome and will be accepted by Partners in Education in person or by mail: Katy ISD ESC, 6301 South Stadium Lane, room 1520, Katy 77494. Please make checks payable to “Katy ISD Food for Families.”

Food for Families, a Katy ISD Partners in Education yearly initiative, unites our Katy ISD staff and community in holiday support for select students and their families. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org or contact Tammy Stringer, 281-396-2645, tammyrstringer@katyisd.org.